Over 4,500 retired employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, who retired after August 1, 2022, are yet to receive their gratuity and other retirement benefits. In response to the prolonged delay, the BEST Workers Union has announced a protest meeting to be held on Friday, July 11, at 5:00 pm at Dr. Shirodkar Hall in Parel.
The meeting aims to decide the future course of action, including launching a more intense agitation against the BEST administration if the dues remain unpaid.
According to the union, repeated appeals and formal representations to the BEST management have failed to yield results. The dues, which are mandated under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, and under agreements between the administration and the BEST Workers Union, have not been released, causing significant financial distress to many retirees.
Union General Secretary Shashank Rao said the protest meeting would be attended not only by retirees but also by currently serving employees of BEST. “This is not just a fight for the rights of those who have already retired, but also for those who will retire in the future. We are demanding immediate payment of all pending dues and a transparent, accountable system for the timely disbursal of retirement benefits,” Rao stated.
He warned that if the administration fails to respond positively, the union would consider escalating the agitation.
"The delay in gratuity payments has stirred widespread discontent among the former employees, many of whom rely on the retirement funds for their daily expenses and healthcare needs" said an union leader.
