April 19: The Business capital of India, Mumbai, will have to face the worse today as the employees of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking BEST, began their 72 hour strike. Earlier there were reports of strife between the management and the trade union. The trade union demanded revision of the pay scales, to which the management paid no heed.
With the bus strike, more than 30 lakh commuters will have to travel by private vehicles, auto rickshaws, and taxies. The private vehicle owners have been reported as charging at higher rates. In response to the strike, the BEST has sent notice to 35,000 employees defining it as illegal and against Bombay High Court ruling.
Earlier on June 2006, the BEST Worker’s Union and management agreed to discuss issues including revision of pay scale, dearness allowances, house rent allowances and several other issues after consulting the Pay Revision Committee.
However, the management served notice to employees following the strike, stating that the Union had promised not to stop work until the committee reaches a conclusion. The General Manager reacted strongly and said that they will sack all employees on strike under the Transport Act and will tackle the situation by running extra buses.
Refusing to end the strike now, the BEST Worker’s Union is planning to meet Home Minister. On the other hand the auto rickshaw drivers are planning to go on strike in support of BEST. It will be a complete halt in the city.
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