Archive · 6 Nov 2025
BEST Workers' Union to Stage Indefinite Hunger Strike in Mumbai
Bus workers in Mumbai are planning a hunger strike because they are unhappy with how the bus service, called BEST, is being managed.
They want the company to stop hiring buses and drivers from other companies, which they call the 'wet lease system,' because they think it's bad for jobs and the quality of the service.
The workers are also worried because the number of buses owned by BEST is getting smaller and smaller.
They want to have at least 3,337 buses owned by BEST, but they think there might only be 251 left soon.
They are also asking for money that is owed to current and retired workers, like retirement payments.
They want bus workers to be paid the same as other city workers and for temporary workers to be given permanent jobs.
They believe the BEST bus service is very important for Mumbai and many people rely on it.
The BEST Undertaking Workers' Union will begin an indefinite hunger strike on November 10, 2025, at their Mumbai headquarters.
Key demands include halting the wet-lease system and maintaining at least 3,337 self-owned buses.
The union warns that the self-owned bus fleet may decrease to 251 by November 2025, potentially disrupting services.
Workers are also demanding clearance of pending dues, pay parity with BMC employees, and regularization of temporary staff.
The union expresses concern that fleet reduction and outsourcing threaten Mumbai's vital public bus service.
- Who
- BEST Undertaking Workers' Union, led by Shashank Rao
- What
- An indefinite hunger strike concerning demands for an end to the wet-lease system, restoration of self-owned buses, and clearance of pending dues.
- When
- Starting November 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM
- Where
- Union headquarters on Kennedy Bridge, Mumbai
- Why
- To protest against the outsourcing of buses and staff through the wet-lease system, the shrinking number of self-owned buses, and pending financial dues for employees.
BEST Workers' Union Demands
Concerns Regarding Union's Demands
Wet Lease System
BEST Workers' Union Demands
The union demands an immediate halt to the wet-lease system, arguing it undermines employment security and service quality.
Concerns Regarding Union's Demands
Workers from wet leases may join the protest, potentially disrupting bus services, indicating a possible wider impact of the system.
Self-Owned Bus Fleet
BEST Workers' Union Demands
The union demands the restoration of the self-owned bus fleet to a minimum of 3,337 buses, citing a projected drop to 251 by November 2025 and demanding financial support from BMC for new purchases.
Concerns Regarding Union's Demands
The union warns that the shrinking fleet and outsourcing may threaten the daily commute for millions of Mumbaikars.
Pending Dues and Parity
BEST Workers' Union Demands
The union demands clearance of pending dues for current and retired employees, including gratuity, timely future payments, implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, pay-parity with BMC employees, and regularization of temporary staff.
Concerns Regarding Union's Demands
The union's demands highlight labor issues relevant to public service discussions ahead of the BMC elections in January 2026.
- Union
- BEST Undertaking Workers' Union
- Protest Type
- Indefinite Hunger Strike
- Start Date
- November 10, 2025
- Start Time
- 11:00 AM
- Location
- Union Headquarters, Kennedy Bridge, Mumbai
- Union Leader
- Shashank Rao
- Demanded Minimum Self-Owned Buses
- 3,337
- Projected Self-Owned Buses
- 251 by November 2025
