21 August,2026 06:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The hunger strike had entered its fourth day before it was withdrawn. Pic/Special Arrangement
Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Workers' Union leader Shashank Rao withdrew his indefinite hunger strike at 3.15 pm on August 21, 2026, after the BEST undertaking gave a positive response to key demands raised by the union.
The withdrawal of the hunger strike was declared by Rajaram Yadav, Senior Secretary of the BEST Workers' Union.
Rao had launched the indefinite hunger strike on August 18, 2026, demanding action on several long-pending issues concerning BEST employees, including salary revision, arrears, job regularisation and equal pay.
According to the union, BEST management accepted the proposal placed before it and agreed to take further action on the five major demands raised by the workers.
Following the development, the BEST Workers' Union decided to withdraw the hunger strike.
The union said the proposal would now be discussed at the next meeting of the BEST Committee. After discussions, a decision is expected to be taken and the matter will subsequently be sent to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for approval, where required.
One of the major demands concerns the implementation of the revised pay structure based on the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations.
The union has sought a revision of the pay structure and payment of pending arrears for the period covered by the revised salary scales. The demand includes taking a decision on the revised pay structure at the earliest.
The union has also demanded action regarding temporary or daily-wage employees who have completed the required period of service.
It has sought regularisation of eligible employees and resolution of issues related to their salary and service conditions.
Another important demand is the implementation of the principle of "equal pay for equal work" for eligible workers.
The union has called for the issue to be addressed in accordance with the applicable labour rules and regulations.
The union has also raised concerns over BEST's financial position and the need for adequate financial support to ensure the smooth functioning of the undertaking.
It has demanded timely financial assistance and the release of pending payments, including dues and final settlement amounts for retired employees.
The demands also refer to the implementation of commitments made under an agreement between the BEST Workers' Union and the management.
The hunger strike had entered its fourth day before it was withdrawn.
According to the union's statement, Rao's health had deteriorated during the protest and he was taken to hospital for treatment. The decision to withdraw the strike came after the BEST management accepted the proposal concerning the workers' demands.
The union said it would now closely follow the action taken by the BEST undertaking and the BMC on the issues raised.
