Overview
- The BEST Workers’ Union began an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday, holding the protest at its Opera House office near Kennedy Bridge and live-streaming the action on Facebook.
- Union leaders demand finalised wage agreements for 2016–21 and 2021–26, implementation of Seventh Pay Commission rates, equal pay for wet-lease staff, correction of absorption-related pay anomalies, and immediate payment of retirees’ gratuities and final settlements.
- BEST officials warned the strike could disrupt city bus services, but the transport administration reported no drop in fleet turnout on Tuesday compared with the previous day.
- The dispute is tied to BEST’s strained finances and operating model: the undertaking runs about 2,800 buses but directly owns roughly 249, relies heavily on wet-lease contractors, and is seeking a budget merger with the BMC to secure funds for operations and planned electric-bus purchases.
- Negotiations or administrative responses are expected next and the union says the hunger strike will continue until demands are met, a stance that raises near-term pressure on services and on retired workers awaiting unpaid dues.