About 35K BEST staff on strike, Centre to invoke MESMA

MUMBAI: Over 35,000 employees of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) is on two-day nationwide strike on January 8, due to talks failing between the labour unions and management of BEST. Union demands to invoke the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against them.

Nearly 25 lakh passengers in Mumbai hassled as 35,000 BEST staff continue indefinite strike on its second day. There is no arrangement of private buses and other public transport for the commuters.

The labour unions have also threatened that no private transportation for public ply on road. Opposing the statement, BEST’s spokesperson said that they have already informed Maharashtra State Road Transport Undertaking to arrange extra buses if required.

Earlier on December 24, the BEST workers’ union had declared that all its buses will be on strike from the midnight of January 7 after talks with the management failed.

According to a senior civic officer the strike is illegal. He said, “All workers have been asked to continue their services without any delay,considering the problems faced by the commuters.”

BEST workers’ union leader Shashank Rao warned authorities to continue the strike till the meeting with Ajoy Mehta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner will not arrive at a positive result.  

Other states like Kerala, parts of Karnataka, West Bengal and Odisha are also affected by the BEST strike.