#WorkersStrikeBack: BEST Workers’ Strike Paralyses Bus Transport in Mumbai 

[As lakhs of workers go on a historic All India Strike on January 8-9, called for by 10 central trade unions, NewsClick brings to you glimpses of the lives of industrial workers in different parts of the country.] 

As Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport, commonly known as BEST, workers went on a strike from Monday midnight, Mumbai's transport system remained completely paralysed on Tuesday.

BEST is Mumbai's primary and crucial bus transport managed by a government body. Almost 30,000 BEST workers are on strike which has brought 3300 bus routes to a halt in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai area. Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar will chair the urgent meeting called to find a solution on the crisis. Meanwhile, Shashank Rao, BEST union leader, has urged the administration to take a decision on the employees’ demands immediately. 

BEST workers have joined the nationwide strike called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions on January 8 and 9. They have been demanding the implementation of the new wage agreement, Diwali bonus, solution on the issues regarding workers’ quarters, and merger of BEST with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Mumbai's governing body BMC is richest in India, having annual budget of as high as Rs 32000 crores. But BEST is bleeding under mismanagement by administration as well as other factors like hike in fuel prices etc. This is affecting the wages of the BEST workers. 

All major unions had held a meeting with the BEST administration for negotiations. But it did not turn out to be fruitful, resulting in the current strike by the workers.

BMC Mahadeshwar said on Tuesday that BMC is positive towards the demands of the workers, and will try to convey the issue to the BEST administration effectively. Union leaders have welcomed the statement of the mayor, and have said that they are ready to come across table.

Meanwhile, BEST administration might be mulling the idea of evoking Maharashtra Essential Service Management Act (MESMA) against BEST workers to stop the strike. According to the administration, the strike is illegal, and Bombay High Court has restricted the workers from this strike. This could increase the rift between the administration and the BEST workers' unions.