Coronavirus outbreak: BEST not the best at planning, claim workers

10 April,2020 10:07 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Rajendra B Aklekar

Even as Coronavirus penetrates the workforce, memo over absenteeism scares extra staffers into reporting to work

This image has been used for representational purposes only


While the city's lifeline BEST Undertaking is being praised for ferrying those employed in essential services even to far-flung suburbs like Badlapur and Titwala, workers were upset after the administration sent notices to absentees, which led to crowding at Dharavi bus depot on Tuesday morning. Trade unions are alleging that the BEST's planning has failed amid the Coronavirus crisis.

A union member said that the memo from the managers of the Dharavi depot scared the staffers. "There has been an utter lack of planning. Why can't the BEST allot duties to bus drivers and conductors in advance?" a union leader said.

The memo was issued as for the past one week, even the reduced services amid the lockdown were running at 50 per cent of their strength because of absenteeism. On Tuesday, for instance, only 1,153 of the scheduled 3,115 buses plied in the city.

Workers are also concerned after an employee of the Electric Supply branch tested positive for Coronavirus on April 2. Sources said that the employee had been admitted to a private hospital with a fever since March 16.

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

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Coronavirus brihanmumbai electricity supply and transport mumbai news
Related Stories