To add to the woes of Mumbaikars, a BEST strike is likely soon. Wet-lease employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking voted overwhelmingly in July to strike work in support of their demand for ‘equal work, equal pay.’

Workers and unions underwent a month-long ballot process to decide whether to go on strike. A final decision will be taken on BEST Diwas, August 7, union leaders announced on Friday.

This development is a matter of concern as over 85 per cent of the BEST bus fleet is currently operated by wet-lease contractors. According to available data, BEST operates 2661 buses, of which only 430 are owned by the undertaking. This fleet size also violates a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 between the transport utility and BEST unions, which mandates that BEST should maintain 3337 buses in its own fleet.