The strike by the staff belonging to wet lease operators of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) drivers continued for the third consecutive day which began on May 17.
According to reports, on Thursday, May 19, the third day of the strike, 192 buses were not operating. However, to fill the gap, BEST operated 81 buses for the convenience of commuters. Sources said buses were not turned out at Wadala, Vikhroli, Bandra and Kurla bus depot in the eastern suburbs.
BEST authorities said that the concerned wet lease operator has 275 buses and the 192 buses were from his fleet.
Within a month, this is the fourth time that the drivers belonging to a section of wet lease bus operators, called for a sudden strike. While fifth time within a time span of few months. This led to commotion as far as running of smooth bus services are concerned.
On the other hand, BEST officials has warned of a fine being imposed of INR 5,000 per bus on the contractor for not operating them. This comes at a time when the BEST Undertaking has 3,578 buses in its fleet, out of which 1,694 buses are on wet lease. In fact, the contract staff has given an undertaking to the police that they will not stop work since negotiations were on till May 25.
For those unversed, contract bus staff have been protesting against non-payment of their salaries and arrears. The salaries range from INR 18,000-Rs 22,000 per month on average.
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