Families see harassment over peaceful protest They also claim poor pay packet leaves them struggling to make both ends meet

Hundreds of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) workers’ families have accused the BEST management of depriving them the right to protest peacefully. They have claimed that the main reason for their strike is that they are unable to lead a normal life due to poor payment for which they can’t even pay their monthly bills and loans.

This comes after the BEST undertaking issued eviction notices to its employees for going on strike resulting to which not only the workers, but their family members have also shown their ire against the authorities.

“We have learnt that the higher authorities of BEST are not paying heed to workers’ demands as they are more interested in holding a meeting instead of resolving the issue,” said one of the BEST worker’s family members.

On January 9, nearly 2,000 employees residing in BEST quarters and colonies in Bhoiwada, Ghatkopar, Colaba and Parel were slapped eviction notices from BEST and Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA).

Interestingly, residents did not entertain the signed copies of the notices who blatantly refused to acknowledge them.

The residents of Parel BEST colony said sending eviction notice was not the right step by the management, who should understand where will they go if evicted.

“BEST authorities have made it a practice of not paying salaries on time. Last year bonus was announced, but that too was not given to them due to which we did not even celebrate Diwali. How is an ordinary BEST worker supposed to repay his loans, pay education fees of his children, and bring happiness in the family?” Harsha Bhogle, a housewife laments.

However, the children of the BEST workers are also affected by the strike and eviction notices sent by the BEST management, as they are not only scared, but also worried about the future.

“I have been so stressed after receiving eviction notices that I am unable to prepare for my two exams scheduled this week. I am worried about my board examination in February,” said Prajakta Ingale (17), a Class XII student of MD College in Parel, as she has been unable to focus on her preliminary examination.

Children also said that they have stopped looking beyond ordinary courses and have decided to pursue courses that do not incur a monetary burden on their families.

“We know what hardships we are going through,” said Prajakta Bhosale (18), a computer science student from Parel.

Shashank Rao, leader, BEST Workers’ Union, said the workers will not bend at any cost.

“The courage shown by families and workers is commendable. BEST employees have worked day and night for the citizens. This is the workers’ fight. We will not go to any other political platform. We may break, but we will not bend,” added Rao.