Nitin Nandgaonkar Backs Mumbai BEST Workers Agitation Citing Growing Employee Unity

Shiv Sena (UBT) union leader Nitin Nandgaonkar on Friday backed the ongoing Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) workers' agitation in Mumbai, stating that the protest reflects growing unity and solidarity among the employees. Speaking on the situation, Nandgaonkar blamed both the transport undertaking and the government for the current crisis.

According to Nandgaonkar, the BEST management failed to initiate a dialogue with the protesting workers and chose to approach the court instead. He argued that the undertaking should have invited the union for discussions in accordance with directives, asserting that the contempt lies entirely with the BEST administration.

The union leader alleged that employees are facing severe exploitation under the current system. Among the key grievances raised by the union are a complete lack of new recruitment, stalled promotions for existing staff, and a sharp decline in the active bus fleet operating in Mumbai.

Nandgaonkar also highlighted the financial distress of former and temporary workers. He stated that retired staff members are yet to receive their gratuity payments. Additionally, contractual workers, including bus drivers, are being denied equal pay for equal work. The union is demanding the immediate absorption of these contractual workers into full-time service.

The agitation strongly opposes the introduction of wet lease models and privatization in the public transport sector. Nandgaonkar labeled these measures as a conspiracy designed to bring an end to the BEST undertaking. He described the strike as a last-ditch attempt by the workers to draw government intervention and highlight their pressing demands.

While acknowledging that the strike has caused unfortunate inconvenience to Mumbai commuters, Nandgaonkar maintained that the BEST administration must take responsibility for the disruption and immediately initiate talks to resolve the deadlock.