The Maharashtra state unit of the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has demanded that the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) withdraw the notices issued to 300 workers under the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) as well as the eviction notices sent to 2,000 workers’ families living in the BEST quarters.
“PUCL Maharashtra expresses shock and dismay at reports that the BMC and BEST administration have chosen to invoke draconian provisions of the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against striking BEST employees, instead of taking steps to respond to their demands and alleviate their grievances at the earliest,” read a statement issued by the organisation extending solidarity with the striking workers.
It urged the BEST management to immediately initiate talks with the striking workers to redress their grievances and the state government to strengthen public transport in Mumbai, instead of contributing to its destruction.
The strike by BEST workers entered its third day on Thursday. Over 300 members of workers families staged a demonstration at BEST’s Depot at the eastern suburb of Wadala to protest the eviction notices issued by public transport undertaking.
Speaking at the protest, Shashank Rao, leader of the BEST Workers’ Union said, “ We won't go to any poltical party. This is a fight of hardworking workers.” Not a single bus left any of BEST's depot on Thursday, with only four drivers and three conductors turning up to work.