BEST Workers Launch Indefinite Hunger Strike Over Wages and Budget Merger

Workers of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking launched an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday in Mumbai over long-pending demands concerning current employees, wet-lease workers, and retired staff. The move follows a decision taken during a union meeting held at Shirodkar Hall in Parel on August 17.

Union leader Shashank Rao asserted that the indefinite strike will continue until their demands are addressed by authorities. The action comes as union representatives highlight multiple unresolved issues affecting the transport and electricity workforce across the city.

According to the union, wage agreements for the periods 2016–21 and 2021–26 are yet to be finalised. The protesting workers are demanding the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations and the provision of pay scales equivalent to those received by employees of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The list of grievances also includes a call for equal pay for wet-lease workers employed through private companies. Additionally, the union is seeking the correction of pay discrepancies affecting workers who were initially appointed as casual labourers in the Electrical Supply Department before later being made permanent.

Beyond individual compensation issues, the protesting workers are demanding the merger of BEST's budget with that of the BMC. They are also seeking dedicated financial support from the civic body to help the undertaking retain its own bus fleet and meet its ongoing daily operational losses.

BEST serves as a primary public transport provider within Mumbai city limits, operating an extensive bus network alongside its electrical supply arm, which distributes power across multiple areas of the city in coordination with other providers.