WHAT’S FUELLING THE STRIKE?
The demands of the labour unions are not being accepted by the BEST administration as well as the BMC, which is the parent body of BEST. Here is a look at the demands and the administration's stance
HIGHER PAY FOR JUNIOR GRADE STAFFERS
Union’s demand: 14,000 employees on junior grade are getting salaries less than ȕ15,000
Administration: Have not accepted the demand owing to the additional financial burden it will cause, in the middle of a fund crunch.
SPEEDING UP DELAYED WAGE AGREEMENTS Union’s demand: The administration has delayed the wage agreements for more than two years. Therefore, they should get the ȕ8,500 pay hike as interim relief that would be adjustable in final settlement Administration: The demand is being considered but no immediate pay hike as per the provisions of the Seventh Pay Commission owing to financial burden involved. The demand for higher pay will amount to a burden of ȕ540 crore on BEST, which is already facing accumulated losses of over ȕ2,000 crore. MERGER OF BEST BUDGET WITH BMC’S
Union’s demand: Merger of BEST Administration: A proposal for and BMC budget, which would give the merger has been approved BEST employees job security, by BEST. Civic chief Ajoy Mehta besides securing the future of BEST has not given his nod owing to undertaking the financial burden involved.