BEST invokes MESMA as employee unions threaten indefinite strike from June 17

Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted bus operations and power supply across the city in the event of a strike. Representational Pic/File

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA), 2023 after a joint committee of 12 employee unions announced plans to begin an indefinite strike from midnight on June 18.

The unions have warned that if their long-pending demands are not addressed within the stipulated deadline, workers from both the transport and electricity departments may join the agitation.

In response to the strike call, BEST management has invoked MESMA, under which public transport services and electricity supply are classified as essential services in Greater Mumbai.

Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted bus operations and power supply across the city in the event of a strike.

Leave applications suspended

As part of the measures, BEST has directed all department and branch heads to reject all leave applications from June 18 onwards until the proposed strike is officially withdrawn.

The undertaking stated that no new leave requests of any kind will be approved during this period.

However, the leave restrictions will not apply to employees who had already received approval for leave before June 18.

The exemption will also cover workers on genuine medical leave and employees whose reasons are considered satisfactory by departmental authorities.

BEST has also clarified that requests for changes in weekly offs or duty shifts on the day of the proposed strike will not be entertained without proper verification.

Management seeks continuity of services

The management said the measures have been taken to protect commuters and consumers who depend on BEST's daily transport and electricity services.

The dispute comes amid growing tensions between the undertaking and employee unions over unresolved demands, with both sides expected to continue discussions in an effort to avoid disruption to Mumbai's essential services.