**Wet Lease Bus Drivers Launch Flash Strike Over Delayed Salaries**
Mumbai, Jan 17, 2025 – Drivers employed by Olectra, a wet lease operator for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, initiated a sudden strike at the Mumbai Central bus depot early Friday morning. This protest, which began at 6:30 a.m., marks the third instance of industrial action by wet lease bus drivers this week.
**Delayed Salaries Spark Protest**
The drivers, who work under Maurya Company, took to the streets due to delayed salary payments. Expressing their frustration, one driver stated, “Our salaries are usually disbursed on the 10th of every month, but we haven’t received them yet. Moreover, we are underpaid compared to drivers directly employed by BEST and haven’t had a salary hike for years.”
The strike led to the disruption of operations for at least 30 buses, causing delays in services to South Mumbai of up to 30 minutes. However, services were back on track by 2:00 p.m. after the drivers’ salaries, as well as other pending dues, were finally credited. Sudas Sawant, spokesperson for BEST Undertaking, confirmed that the strike was called off promptly once the payments were processed.
**Continued Grievances**
Drivers have long-standing complaints regarding poor pay, stagnant salaries, insufficient leave, and extended working hours. This flash strike closely follows a similar incident from the previous day when around 60 drivers from the Kalakilla depot near Dharavi ceased work at 12:30 p.m. Services only resumed late at night after their demands were met.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, 210 BEST buses managed by wet lease operator Mateshwari Urban Transport faced a similar fate as the staff protested over the alleged mistreatment of a pregnant conductor by her superior, leading to a police complaint being filed.
In conclusion, these ongoing issues are shedding light on the challenges faced by wet lease bus drivers in Mumbai, highlighting the urgent need for improved working conditions and fair treatment across the public transportation sector.
