Mumbai: The BEST Workers Union has announced a march today (August 6) at 2.30pm at Azad Maidan, demanding the immediate disbursement of gratuity and other end-of-service benefits to over 4,500 employees. They retired after August 1, 2022, and have been struggling for their dues for three years. To urge the administration to resolve the issue immediately, the current staff will also participate in the march in solidarity with their former colleagues. Union general secretary Shashank Rao said that despite repeated letters and representations to the administration, the dues have not been paid, putting the retired workers under severe financial distress.
The union claimed that the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, as well as agreements signed between the workers and BEST have been blatantly violated. Due to the failure to release gratuity and other arrears, many former employees are struggling financially, said the union.
The union has also urged the Undertaking to formulate a clear policy to ensure that future retirees receive their rightful dues without delay.
