VVMC Transport Workers Launch Sudden Strike, Disruption Hits Vasai-Virar Bus Services
Transport workers of the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, including drivers, conductors, technicians, and other support staff, launched a sudden work stoppage on Tuesday morning over long-pending demands. The unannounced strike completely halted the municipal bus operations starting from 6 am across Vasai-Virar, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and forcing them to seek alternative modes of transportation in the region.
According to reports, all Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation buses were kept parked at the Virar and Sativali depots. Not a single bus was spotted operating on the roads of Vasai-Virar since Tuesday morning, severely affecting public transit across all local routes.
The public transit network managed by the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation currently possesses a total fleet of nearly 114 standard buses alongside 40 electric buses. The municipal corporation operates these vehicles across 36 designated routes throughout the area. On a regular day, approximately 60,000 to 65,000 passengers depend on this public bus network for their daily commutes. Due to the heavy reliance on these buses, many commuters experienced severe difficulties finding alternative transit options following the unexpected disruption.
The transport staff decided to initiate the sudden strike out of frustration, citing that no action was taken despite their repeated complaints submitted to the authorities earlier. Among the primary grievances raised by the striking employees is the demand for the implementation of wage scales on par with municipal transport services operating in other cities.
Additionally, the workers are demanding the payment of overtime compensation in accordance with statutory laws, the establishment of proper working hours that include necessary rest breaks, and the complete abolition of the ongoing contract system.
Beyond wage and scheduling issues, the striking workers raised serious objections regarding several financial and administrative matters. These include disputes over the distribution of bonuses, the payment of gratuity, and the return of security deposits. Staff members also raised concerns regarding alleged arbitrary financial penalties imposed on them and unjustified disciplinary actions taken against employees by the administration.
As of Tuesday, further details in the matter were awaited. No official response or formal statement regarding the sudden strike had been released by the municipal corporation authorities.
