Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) faced another major setback on Wednesday as drivers working under a wet-lease contract went on an abrupt strike, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Around 120 drivers working under contractor for Olectra Greentech, protested delays in their December salary payments.
Services Disrupted
As a result of the strike, nearly 60 bus services operating from the Kala Killa depot in Dharavi were suspended, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. The striking drivers are employed by Pune based sub-contractor Maurya Trans-India Pvt. Ltd., which provides service to Olectra.
BEST has a wet-lease agreement with Olectra Greentech for 2,400 electric buses, under which Olectra manages the maintenance, insurance and deployment of drivers for the buses, while BEST pays a fixed lease amount.
Negotiation and Demands
According to sources, the meeting was held between the striking drivers, contractors, and BEST officials to resolve the issue. Sources suggest that the delay in salary payments might be linked to BEST failing to make timely payments to Maurya Trans-India Pvt. Ltd.
To address the crisis, Olectra Greentech transferred emergency funds to the drivers’ accounts to resolve the salary issue. However, the striking employees refused to back down, citing additional grievances over leave policies.
The company has agreed to pay the delayed salaries on time. However, the drivers have also raised new demands, including holiday benefits and wages for extra hours. An official stated, “We are trying our best to resolve the matter as soon as possible. Discussions are underway to address the new demands raised by the drivers.”
Lack of communication is the main reason
The strike has also revealed that a lack of communication is the main reason behind the unrest. One of the striking drivers said, “Our salary was supposed to be credited on January 10, but six days have passed, and we still haven’t received it. We also have bills and EMIs to pay as well. With no concrete assurances from BEST or our employer, we had no choice but to go on strike.”
