No fare-well: BEST retirees wait years for gratuity, protest at Azad Maidan

Retired BEST employees protesting at Azad Maidan. Pic/Shadab Khan

It has been two years since we retired, and we still haven't received our gratuity. We served BEST for so many years, is this what we get in return?" questioned Milind Jadhav, a retired BEST employee, at the protest held on Wednesday, at Azad Maidan. Demonstrating unity in their demand, hundreds of retired BEST employees gathered for the protest.

Many, like Jadhav, have been waiting for their gratuity for two years, despite exhausting all legal options, including the labour court. Although judgments from authorities have favoured the ex-employees, they claim that BEST continues to withhold payments, citing a lack of funds. Another retired employee, who left the organisation in 2023 and requested anonymity, told mid-day, "We did our duty with diligence during service. Now, all we ask is for our former employer, BEST, to fulfil theirs by paying us what we're owed."

Highlighting how vital the pending payments are, the ex-employee added, "Many of us rely on this money to survive and support our families post-retirement. How are we expected to manage? None of us have steady income now, and no one hires at the age of 58." The retirees claimed this issue isn't limited to those at the lower end of the hierarchy.

"Even assistant general managers who retired in 2023 haven't received their gratuity," the former employee added. A BEST spokesperson told mid-day, "We are doing our best to clear dues and pay gratuity to retired employees. But until the BMC allocates funds, our hands are tied. We hope they provide assistance soon so we can support those who've served BEST for years."

Next round of protests

>> Retired BEST employees are planning another protest on BEST Diwas, August 7 (Thursday). Organised by Aamchi Mumbai, Aamchi BEST and 22 other civil society groups, demonstrations will be held outside 20 BEST depots across Mumbai.

>> The protest also highlights growing dissatisfaction with BEST's shrinking fleet and demands for a fully public transport system. Organisers claim that the fare hike in May 2025 has led to a drop in ridership, hurting their advocacy for affordable and accessible public transport.