Mumbai News: BEST Employees, Retirees To Stage Massive Protest On August 6 Over Delayed Gratuity Dues
Hundreds of current and retired employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking are set to participate in a large protest march on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, demanding the immediate release of pending gratuity payments and other dues. The march, organized by the BEST Workers’ Union, will begin at Veer Hutatma Bhai Kotwal Udyan in Dadar and culminate at the BEST Wadala bus depot.
The protest highlights growing frustration among over 4,500 retired employees who left service after August 1, 2022, and have yet to receive their statutory gratuity. Union leaders allege that the delay violates the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, and breaches agreements previously made with the administration.
“For us, this is about justice, not charity,” stated Shashank Rao, General Secretary of the BEST Workers’ Union in a written statement issued by Union. “Retired workers are facing financial and emotional hardships because the administration refuses to release what is legally and ethically due.”
The union has made multiple representations, sent letters, and held discussions with the BEST administration, but claims those efforts have been ignored. A crucial union meeting held on Friday, July 11, at Dr. Shirodkar Hall in Parel, saw a strong turnout of both current and retired employees. The gathering unanimously decided to intensify protests if the administration failed to respond.
Rao emphasised that the protest is not only about past dues but also about ensuring future retirees receive their gratuity without delay. “We demand the administration take immediate steps to clear all pending dues and create a permanent system to avoid such delays going forward,” he said.
"With thousands expected to join, the August 6 march is poised to be one of the largest demonstrations in BEST’s recent history, underscoring the workers’ unity and resolve in their fight for rightful entitlements," said an union leader.
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