In a significant disruption to Mumbai’s public transport system, more than 200 buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have been pulled off the roads following a flash strike by drivers employed under a wet lease agreement. The strike, which began Monday morning, has severely affected bus services, especially in the south Mumbai, central, and eastern suburbs.
Sources confirm that 110 buses from the Pratiksha Nagar depot and 100 from the Dharavi depot were impacted. The strike was triggered by an incident involving a pregnant conductor, who was allegedly disrespected by employees of the wet lease operator, Mateshwari Urban Transport. The conductor had requested lighter duties due to her advanced pregnancy, but her request was reportedly denied and met with disrespect, sparking outrage among other drivers and conductors.
The flash strike has led to disruptions on at least 80-100 bus routes, affecting daily commuters. Passengers have expressed frustration, with many pointing out the unreliability of what was once a dependable public transport service.
In addition to the immediate trigger, workers have voiced long-standing grievances about low and delayed wages, as well as their desire for permanent employment status, instead of remaining as contractual staff. To address the unrest, authorities have threatened to penalise contractors and impose fines on the wet lease operator.
The strike is compounded by a leadership vacuum at BEST, which currently lacks a General Manager. This gap in leadership comes at a time when the organisation is facing financial difficulties, with liabilities approaching Rs.10,000 crore.
