A day after the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking issued eviction notices to its employees for going on strike, families of over 100 workers staged a protest outside the Wadala bus depot on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the strike will continue for the fourth day as no headway was achieved in a high-powered meeting that lasted over four hours at the Mayor’s Bungalow.
On Wednesday, nearly 2,000 employees residing in BEST quarters and colonies in Bhoiwada, Ghatkopar, Colaba and Parel were sent eviction and Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) notices. While residents of Bhoiwada forced the officials to return their signed copies of the notices, those staying in other locations refused to entertain the notices.
The protesters alleged that the management is trying to deprive their husbands of their right to protest meaningfully. “Our husbands have been on a strike for a reason. Nobody likes to sit at home idle for the fun of it. We all have families to look after,” Sonali Dulam (43), an agitator, said.
The residents asked the management where they should go if evicted. “Salaries are not cleared on time. Last year, a bonus sum was given but it was later deducted from salaries of the subsequent month. How is an ordinary BEST worker supposed to repay his loans, pay education fees of his children, and bring happiness in his family?” Praja Panchal, a resident of the Ghatkopar quarters, said.
Thursday’s protest was led by women in the families, with the children, too, joining in. Prajakta Ingale (17), a Class XII student of MD College in Parel, said she has been unable to focus on her preliminary examination since Wednesday. “I have been so stressed after the neighbouring families received eviction notices that I am unable to prepare for my two exams scheduled this week. I am worried about my board examination in February,” Ms. Ingale said.
“The notices have scared our families. Everybody is worried about the future,” said Shubham Yadav (19), a Bachelor of Mass Media student, Lala Lajpatrai College, who resides in Bhoiwada staff quarters.
Prajakta Bhosale (18), a computer science student from Parel, said the children of BEST employees have stopped looking beyond ordinary courses. “We have decided to pursue courses that do not incur monetary burden on our families. We know what hardships they are going through.”
Shashank Rao, leader, BEST Workers’ Union, said the workers will not bend at any cost. “The courage shown by families and workers is commendable. The BEST employees have worked day and night for the citizens. This is the workers’ fight. We will not go to any other political platform. We may break, but we will not bend,” Mr. Rao told protesters in Wadala.
Swabhiman Sanghathan president Nitesh Rane too met protesters. “The authorities will have to accept all the demands. We had shown strength in 2017 and the government had come forward to end it with assurances. It is 2019 and not one has been fulfilled,” Mr. Rane said.
