Metro security staff demand govt postings, go on a strike

At least 40 Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) staffers went on a strike and staged a demonstration at Ghatkopar metro station on Tuesday. The staffers were demanding to make them permanent government enployees as they were currently appointed as contract employees.

The strike by the security staff did not affect the commuters and the services as it did not take place during the peak hours.

The Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) which runs the VersovaAndheri-Ghatkopar Metro-1 corridor were forced to seek help from the Mumbai Police and Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) in order to bring the situation under control.

"We took help of our private security guards as at least 40 MSF staffers did not report to work on Tuesday," said an MMOPL spokesperson.

There are at least a total number of 100 MSF security staffers deployed at metro stations for security purposes. The officials said these staffers have been deployed by the state government to secure the metro stations.

The MMOPL officials also raised the issue to the state government. “At least 40 MSF staffers did not report to duty without any notice. After keeping in mind the convenience and security of commuters, Mumbai Metro One has promptly deployed the alternative arrangements. We also raised the issue to state governmemt, MMRDA and Mumbai Police for assistance,” said an MMOPL spokesperson.