Employees of the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-best-bus-strike-ghatkopar-buses-halted-mulund-depot-remains-idle-23635894" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST)</a> undertaking launched an indefinite strike from midnight, disrupting bus services across Mumbai and affecting lakhs of daily commuters.
The strike has been called by the Joint Workers' Action Committee, which comprises around 12 unions representing BEST employees.
As Mumbai's second lifeline after the suburban railway network, the disruption has caused significant inconvenience to passengers who rely on BEST buses for their daily travel.
In anticipation of possible unrest, BEST officials installed protective safety shields on the windows and glass panels of buses stationed at depots across the city.
The officials said that the precautionary measure was taken to safeguard public property and minimise damage during the ongoing industrial action.
<h2>Low attendance at depots</h2>
Although all BEST depots remained open on Friday, only a limited number of employees reported for duty.
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/best-employees-launch-indefinite-strike-disrupting-mumbai-bus-services-23635873" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">A large number of workers gathered outside depots to participate in the strike</a>. At several locations, employees staged peaceful demonstrations while demanding action on their long-pending issues.
At the Deonar depot, striking workers allegedly stopped a bus and asked passengers to disembark before the vehicle was taken out of service.
Hundreds of employees assembled at various depots as the strike began shortly after midnight.
A significant gathering was reported at the Gorai depot, where workers assembled in support of the protest as the industrial action officially commenced.
At around 2.45 am, senior leaders of the Joint Workers' Action Committee, including Ranga Satavase, Dan Singh Rawat, Madhukar Indap and Harish Gaikwad, visited Dindoshi Depot.
The union leaders interacted with employees, discussed the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/photo/in-photos-commuters-struggle-as-best-strike-disrupts-mumbais-public-transport-111675" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">ongoing agitation</a> and expressed support for the workers' demands.
<h2>Key demands of employees</h2>
The striking workers are demanding the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for the period from 2016 to 2026.
They are also seeking the settlement of pending dues and gratuity payments owed to retired employees.
Many retired workers joined the protest, claiming that their retirement benefits and other payments have remained unpaid for an extended period.
The unions have also raised concerns regarding employment conditions and other service-related issues affecting the workforce.
Despite the large gatherings, the protests remained peaceful throughout the day.
As a precautionary measure, Mumbai Police deployed personnel, including Riot Control units and other security teams, outside BEST depots across the city.
The deployment was aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring that no untoward incidents occurred during the strike.
<h2>Commuters face travel difficulties</h2>
With bus services severely affected, many commuters turned to suburban trains, auto-rickshaws, taxis and app-based cab services to reach their destinations.
The strike placed additional pressure on <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/best-bus-strike-school-bus-operators-offer-fleet-to-ease-mumbai-commuter-crisis-amid-chaotic-situation-23635883" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Mumbai's transport network</a>, particularly during peak travel hours.

BEST strike in Mumbai: Employees of BEST undertaking launched an indefinite strike from midnight, disrupting bus services across Mumbai and affecting commuters

BEST strike in Mumbai: Thousands of commuters affected as BEST workers launch strike in Mumbai

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As Mumbai's second lifeline after the suburban railway network, the disruption has caused significant inconvenience to passengers who rely on BEST buses for their daily travel

Thousands of commuters affected as BEST workers launch strike in Mumbai

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