IN PHOTOS: BEST wet-lease workers vote on strike for equal pay

Updated On: 08 July, 2025 05:15 PM IST | Divya Nair

Mumbai`s BEST wet-lease employees are holding a vote to decide if they will strike. As they are demanding "equal pay for equal work," arguing that they perform the same jobs as permanent BEST staff but receive lower wages and fewer benefits. (Pic/Rajendra B. Aklekar).

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<p>The Sangharsh Labour Employees’ Union asserted that workers from various wet-lease operators perform the exact same duties as permanent staff in the transport department, but they still do not receive the same pay scale</p>

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The Sangharsh Labour Employees’ Union asserted that workers from various wet-lease operators perform the exact same duties as permanent staff in the transport department, but they still do not receive the same pay scale

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Despite performing the same duties, these wet-lease employees receive neither comparable pay scales nor service conditions

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Further the union argues this directly violates the "equal work, equal pay" principle by both the private contractors and BEST

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shashank Sharad Rao of the union stated that they have repeatedly brought this issue to the attention of the Municipal Commissioner, BEST General Manager, and private contractor companies, but the demand for equal pay for equal work remains unaddressed</span></p>

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Shashank Sharad Rao of the union stated that they have repeatedly brought this issue to the attention of the Municipal Commissioner, BEST General Manager, and private contractor companies, but the demand for equal pay for equal work remains unaddressed

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result of negligence the workers are currently casting their ballots to decide on a strike to achieve their demand for equal wages. Moreover, the initial phase of voting is taking place today, Tuesday, from 7 AM to 7 PM at bus depots in Deonar, Shivajinagar, Ghatkopar, Mulund, and Mumbai Central</span></p>

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As a result of negligence the workers are currently casting their ballots to decide on a strike to achieve their demand for equal wages. Moreover, the initial phase of voting is taking place today, Tuesday, from 7 AM to 7 PM at bus depots in Deonar, Shivajinagar, Ghatkopar, Mulund, and Mumbai Central

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IN PHOTOS: BEST wet-lease workers vote on strike for equal pay

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Breaking barriers and building pyramids — Women power in action!