BEST unions demand parity as they kept citys buses running non-stop even during pandemic
BEST staffers say they were shortchanged last year too
BEST workers have been given a bonus of Rs 10,100 for Diwali but it is Rs 5,400 less than what their counterparts in the BMC are getting. This has irked the trade unions who are terming it an injustice as it was because the BEST buses kept plying so that BMC workers could reach their places of work. The bonus was announced by Mayor Kishori Pednekar.
ADVERTISEMENT
"This is discrimination. BEST is a part of BMC and last year, too, BEST employees got a bonus of Rs 9,100 while BMC staff got about Rs 15,000. We all know BEST employees kept the services running and have sacrificed lives in the line of duty. Despite all this, they are treated unfairly. No one would have been able to reach their offices if the BEST staff had not have turned up for work to keep buses plying," Shashank Sharad Rao, trade union leader of the BEST Sanyukta Kamgar Kruti Samiti said.
"We are demanding parity with BMC employees and in fact, we should also be given last year's dues and difference in payment," he added.
Also Read: Mumbai: BEST workers demand Diwali bonus at par with BMC employees
BEST officials said since the day the lockdown came into effect from March 22, BEST has not stopped its services, even as Mumbai local trains came to a halt. It kept on ferrying essential workers and increased its services progressively and now is close to inducting its entire fleet of 3,400 buses for passengers.
Keep scrolling to read more news
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
