Vasai-Virar Municipal Transport Workers Launch Sudden Strike, Bus Services Hit

Transport employees of the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC), including drivers, conductors, technicians and other staff, launched a sudden work stoppage on Tuesday over a range of pending demands. The protest has disrupted bus services across Vasai-Virar, leaving thousands of commuters struggling to find alternative modes of transport. No VVMC buses were seen operating on several city roads since morning.

According to information available, VVMC buses have been parked at the Virar and Sativali depots following the work stoppage. The disruption has forced commuters to depend on private vehicles, auto-rickshaws and other available transport options.

Workers raise several demands

The protesting transport workers are demanding pay parity with municipal transport services in other cities. They have also sought payment for overtime work as mandated under labour laws, reasonable working hours with adequate rest periods and an end to the existing contractual system.

Other demands reportedly include payment of bonuses and gratuity, the return of deposits and an end to what workers allege are arbitrary financial penalties and disciplinary action imposed on employees.

Workers claim that they had repeatedly raised these issues with the authorities but that no concrete action was taken to address their grievances. Following the alleged inaction, employees decided to launch the sudden protest on Tuesday.

60,000–65,000 commuters affected daily

According to a report by Loksatta, VVMC currently operates around 114 buses across 36 routes. In addition, the civic body has around 40 electric buses. The municipal transport service caters to approximately 60,000 to 65,000 passengers every day, making it an important mode of public transport for residents of Vasai-Virar. The work stoppage, which began around 6 am on Tuesday, has therefore caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters, particularly office-goers, students and other passengers who rely heavily on municipal buses.

As of now, the civic administration has not issued an official statement regarding the workers' strike or indicated when bus services are likely to resume.