BEST sacks absentee employees; 121 drivers return to work

Amidst the coronavirus crisis, the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) has been ferrying people across the city, even crossing boundaries, providing its services to people from Virar and Asangaon.

However, the employees of BEST who did not perform their duties and refused to come to work during the lockdown were sacked. Moreover, 121 out of 184 drivers have returned to work. The employees had earlier appealed against the sacking and demanded an increase in pay. However, two of their pay rises have been blocked.

Apart from Mumbai, BEST had to face a shortage of manpower while providing bus services from Thane, Kalyan, Dombivali, Badlapur, Ambernath, Panvel and Virar. As a result, only half the rounds could be completed compared to the ERV. Despite repeated assurances, 184 persons were arrested for not performing their duties.

In addition to BEST's transport service employees, employees from other departments, including the electrical department, the engineering department, and the security guards, have also been targeted. While taking this action, it was said that after hearing the appeals of some, their pay increment was also stopped.

From September 1, private offices were allowed to increase staff attendance from 10 per cent to 30 per cent. However, they have not been permitted to travel on suburban trains as of now. As a result, BEST has been ferrying these passengers.

On August 31, 3,376 buses were operated. Moreover, 15.32 lakh passengers travelled in these buses. Even though September 1 was Anant Chaturdashi, the number of passengers travelling on the day was 13,52,853. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to understand the grievances of the employees who are providing such an essential service during these difficult times, especially since there has been a steady increase in ridership over the months.

In the last 3 months, the number of BEST passengers has increased from 2.5 lakh to 15 lakhs. Before the lockdown, 34 lakh passengers were travelling daily in the BEST buses. However, the number of passengers in June was around two and a half lakhs.