Namaskar,
This is bound to happen, BEST drivers involved in some accident or other on daily wages, sorry, daily basis
The utter indiscipline, and lack of enforcement, means the chances of accidents are huge.
These are only the reported ones, BEST drivers regularly break signals, cut lanes, drive rashly, hog extreme right lanes, halt way beyond bus stops, forcing passenger in the line of equally indisciplined private vehicles which cut in between stops and buses, by sheer audacity and arrogance.
This does not need any driver training school to correct, it is common sense and self discipline, safe driving and control.
Whether the driver is a daily wage staffer or a senior experienced one, what prevents them from following the Best Traffic Manual apart from the traffic rules
And what about this news
So now BEST drivers will drive MSRTC buses equally dangerously and rashly, as if MSRTC buses aren't driven dangerously and rashly enough
And again, this is on the Mumbai Pune Expressway, speed limit is 80 kmph, I have seen MSRTC buses race on the Thane Creek bridge, etc., and who knows how they are driven on Maharashtra's inner roads.
As if that wasn't bad news, BEST after giving away many bus depots, now finds some space problem
The BEST Committee wants to reserve plots in Mumbai's Development Proposal Plan for BEST depots.
But what about those already reserved, why aren't they utilising them, and why for example, aren't they clearing encroachments from bus deopts like the Chinese restaurant within Juhu bus depot.
Meantime, does BEST know that MTP has given parking spaces to private vehicles in BEST depots during the day
http://www.trafficpolicemumbai.org/Parking%20facilities.htm
Really sad to see that what was once BEST, I have grown up going in BEST buses, our Bombay International School rented BEST buses way back in the early 1970s since they were the safest and BEST.
Now, the reports are there to see.
Thanqx.
Jagdeep DESAI
Secretary
Founder Trustee
Forum for Improving Quality of Life in Mumbai Suburbs
>>>
With over 650 accidents already this year, BEST is now planning to train its drivers to reduce the number of mishaps on the road
The next time you see a BEST bus careen down the road towards you, you might want to quickly step aside to safety, and let the bus rumble past.
The city's red buses are becoming dangerous to pedestrians, going by the rising number of fatal accidents.
Only yesterday, a biker sustained severe injuries when a BEST bus collided with his two-wheeler.
The number of fatal accidents involving BEST buses has gone up to 45 so far. Between January and December last year, the corresponding figure was 43.
The number of minor accidents, however, has gone down to 653 from last year's 809. "This is of serious concern.
We plan to impart special intensified training to drivers," said a senior BEST official. "Besides, the drivers will also be counselled about driving."
BEST officials are left wondering whether drivers who are employed on a daily-wage basis are responsible for these accidents.
Sources in the BEST blamed it on former BEST general manger Uttam Khobragade's decision to appoint daily wagers to drive BEST buses.
"I don't think the number is rising because of daily-wage drivers. There are several other reasons for the accidents," said BEST committee Chairman Sanjay Potnis.
In 2006-07, of a total number of 10,500 BEST drivers, 9,447 were found to be involved in cases involving major and minor accidents.
"In the maximum number of accident cases that took place this month, senior drivers and not daily wage drivers were involved," said Potnis.
In case of a minor accident involving a BEST bus, the department does not conduct any inquiry. "The incident is entered into the driver's service record," said a BEST official.
A BEST official shows the spot where a biker collided with his two-wheeler and sustained injuries at Behram Baug in Oshiwara, yesterday
However, if a driver, who is a permanent employee, is found involved in a fatal accident, he is either suspended or removed from service, depending on what the enquiry says about the driver's fault.
Besides, BEST is short-staffed presently.
"In the absence of our senior drivers, we have no choice but to put daily wage drivers at the wheel," said BEST committee member Sunil Ganacharya.
"Also, accidents which happen are not always the driver's fault. They also take place because of bad traffic and bad roads. The administration needs to impart training to new drivers on a priority basis."
43
The number of fatal accidents involving BEST buses in 2009
45
The number of fatal accidents involving BEST buses till yesterday
Best Numbers
4,500: The number of buses in BEST's fleet
8,000: The number of BEST drivers and conductors on BEST's payroll
4,500: The number of daily-wage BEST drivers and conductors
Capital Killers?
A total number of 568 people were crushed under Delhi's Blueline buses between 2005 and 2009
The buses, which had earned the reputation for reckless driving, will be completely off the roads by December 14. There are 2,400 blueline buses operating in the capital of which 1,600 were shunted out ahead of the Commonwealth Games earlier this month.
>>>
Parking BEST:-
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On Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 1:02 AM, Jagdeep DESAI <jagdeep.desai1@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
The report, The Times of India, 2010 OCT 14Has a quote of the union leader Sharad RAO, 'I am a law abiding citizen, and I will not go against what is specified in the Government rule book'First, he need not have gone to the RTA or the office of the GM, BEST.Each bus has the seating and standing capacity mentioned on the junction of the ceiling and side wall, unless he has never ridden on a bus.Next, if he practices what he preaches, he should order all his union members, drivers and conductors and all staff, to follow all traffic rules and the BEST Traffic ManualHow about ordering his drivers, he keeps addressing the drivers and conductors as his, to turn out in full decent uniform, shirts buttoned fully, uniform shoes, uniform cap, as per BEST Traffic Manual.Most of his drivers and conductors turn out in sandals, most have their shirt buttons open, two or three, almost don't wear caps.Well, Sharad RAO, keep to your word, and maybe the public will start believing and support your cause, if justified.Jagdeep DESAISecretaryFounder TrusteeForum for Improving Quality of Life in Mumbai Suburbs>>>DOES A U-TURN
Sharad Rao eats humble pie on bus standees
Somit Sen TNN
Mumbai: Union leader Sharad Roa, who a few days ago had threatened that BEST drivers and conductors would drive the buses to a police station if more than 10 passengers were standing, Rao ate a humble pie on Wednesday when he admitted that a total of 22 passengers are allowed to stand in a bus.
"I have gone through the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) manual which says that not more than 13 passengers can stand in a doubledecker and not more than 22 in a single-decker bus," he told TOI. "I am a law-abiding citizen and will not go against what is specified in the government rule book," he said.
The sudden U-turn came minutes after Rao met BEST general manager Om Prakash Gupta at the latter's office on Wednesday. Apparently, Rao met the GM with a request that the transport body sanction Diwali bonus of Rs 15,000 for each of its drivers, conductors and other staffers. Gupta plans to issue show cause notices to drivers/conductors and suspend the guilty.
Meanwhile, the biggest transport union in Mumbai is set to merge with the biggest labour union. Rao, who heads the BEST, auto and taxi unions and also controls the largest union in BMC, has decided to join hands with the Hind Mazdoor Kisan Panchayat and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha. Twenty other smaller unions will also merge with this group, making it a force of 50 lakh members. The merger will take place on October 23.On Wed, Oct 6, 2010 at 12:11 AM, Jagdeep DESAI <jagdeep.desai1@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
The reports, The Times of India, 2010 OCT 05, and other newspapers, on the salary issues between the management and union of BEST, is so stale, that a quick search shows the same old story even eight years ago, see the links below******Here are the reports of 2002The old man of the union, Sharad RAO has these fantastic demands
01 No running of the buses if over crowded
Who the heck allows overloading in buses except the conductors, who want as many passengers for their commissions.If more buses are needed, then why do we see so many buses idle in the depots on any given day and time, why BEST air conditioned buses are hired by Air India, giving the clear impression, there are more buses than required02 No running of the buses as they are filthy and dirtyWho cleans or not clean buses in the depots.The members of this union leader's union, who else.The stale reason given for not cleaning the buses in monsoon season is, anyway it rains, so why waste water, and there is water shortage anyway, so why waste water, see first reason.Incidentally, I have recently seen Navi Mumbai and Pune buses, they are spanking clean, forgetting the indisciplined driving for a moment, surely, rains in Pune are less, water problem is more, but their buses are being cleaned.Further, now that lakes are full, water cut is removed, so why are buses still so dirty.Also, it may be worthwhile telling his drivers and conductors not to spit from the window, not to throw packets of pan masala, nor pet bottles out, etc.In short, practise what they preach.03 He is talking of rules, like so many standees only in the bus.How about ordering his drivers, he keeps addressing the drivers and conductors as his, to turn out in full decent uniform, shirts buttoned fully, uniform shoes, uniform cap, as per BEST Traffic Manual, link below.Most of his drivers and conductors turn out in sandals, most have their shirt buttons open, two or three, almost don't wear caps.When I was in school, a long long long time ago, our school hired BEST buses as school buses.That time we have a great time, because the drivers and conductors were committed and dedicated, maybe they didn't have such union leaders then.How about ordering his drivers and conductor to follow the BEST Traffic Manual, and drive as per all traffic laws and rules, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989,and Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.While he is at it, he should see that passengers, whose money through tickets help pay salaries of his drivers and conductors, are not inconvenienced by driving safely, by stopping at stops, in general, doing the service the company is mandated to provide, by statute and corporationMaybe the union leaders, BEST drivers, and conductors, line staff and inspectors should read this, available on the BEST site
Also, in reference to the following reports regarding BEST buses and driversMaybe the BEST management should also take a few rides on a regular basis to see for themselves the plight of the daily commuter, instead of taking a ride on BRTS in Curitiba, or Istanbul, etc.The BEST management should also see how the buses are driven in and out of depots, how the drivers drive arshly, occupy the extrene right lanes, etc., how they regularly break signals, how the MTP regularly ignores violations by BEST, etc.Sadly, once upon a time, the BEST, has now turned virtually to be the worst.Resting on ancient laurels won't help.Sorry, but this is the situation.Jagdeep DESAISecretaryFounder TrusteeForum for Improving Quality of Life in Mumbai Suburbs>>>>>>
BEST daily wagers go on flash strike
COMMUTER GRIEF: 700 Services Hit, Workers Want To Be Regularized
Somit Sen | TNN
Mumbai: BEST bus services were greatly affected on Monday as more than 4,500 daily wage workers—mainly drivers and conductors—went on a flash strike to demand that they be regularized.
Passengers were incovenienced at several depots and bus stops as there was a shortage of 600 to 700 buses and some of those in operation, had poor frequency. Commuters had to wait long for buses during the morning and evening rush hour, with several opting for taxis and autos instead, to reach their offices. About 15% of the bus services were affected, with unions claiming that 40% services were hit in the evening.
BEST general manager Om Prakash Gupta told TOI that the issue would be resolved by Monday evening and those on protest would resume work by Tuesday morning. "We expect normalcy in services on Tuesday," he said.
Union leader Sharad Rao said it was a "one-day" token protest to highlight the plight of 8,389 drivers and conductors who earned daily wages and were "poorly paid". A daily wage driver earns Rs 230 while a conductor gets Rs 176 for an eight-hour shift duty. While 55% of daily wage staffers went on strike on Monday, it is not clear why the remaining workers reported for duty on Monday. Those on strike comprised about 10% of the total BEST workforce.
Said Rao, "It is high time these drivers and conductors are absorbed as permanent employees as their job profile is similar to those on regular payroll."
If absorbed, they can expect a hike in earnings by at least Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 per month. Besides, they will get other benefits such as weeklyoffs, holidays, leave and special allowances.
BEST committee chairperson Sanjay Potnis clarified that there was no need for daily wage staffers to protest. "Our committee has already sanctioned a proposal to absorb them in BEST. It will soon be implemented by the management," he said and added that Monday's protest was instigated by union leaders who wanted to claim "personal credit" in the issue.
BEST public relations officer N A Walawalkar said operations at several depots were affected due to the protest. These included depots at Mahim, Malvani, Vikhroli, Anik, Dharavi, Santacruz, Marol, Magothane, Gorai and Deonar.
Rao said there were 15,000 vacancies in BEST and the management can easily absorb the drivers and conductors who are essential workers. "We have also moved court. If the GM does not concede to our demands, we will fight the issue in court."
A QUESTION OF RIGHTS
UNION'S DEMANDS
The BEST management should make 8,389 daily wage workers—mainly drivers and conductors—permanent employees Give these workers allowances, weekly offs, holidays and other benefits on par with regular employees Give pay hikes to junior grade employees Ensure that buses are clean, in good working condition and not overloaded Fill up all vacant 15,000 posts in BEST
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSE
GM Om Prakash Gupta said there was no strike on Monday as those on protest were not "permanent employees"
"These are driver and conductors hired on daily wage basis. Their demands will be heard and we will try to resolve the issue soon," said Gupta, while not denying that bus services were partially hit
BEST committee chairperson Sanjay Potnis said his panel had already sanctioned a proposal to absorb the daily wage earners as regular employees>>>
Limit crowd in buses: Rao
Somit Sen | TNN
Mumbai: Union leader Sharad Rao has threatened that BEST drivers and conductors may go on strike again if buses continue to be "packed beyond capacity" and "remain unclean and in bad condition".
"Buses should ideally have ten to 12 persons standing, but we see as many as 30 standing in a BEST bus during peak hour rush," Rao told mediapersons on Monday. "Our drivers and conductors will protest by not plying such buses if the situation continues for the next two weeks," he said.
He pointed out that drivers often came across buses in bad condition. "The number of breakdowns has risen over the recent months and there is an acute shortage of maintenance staff. We refuse to ply buses that are illmaintained and unclean," he said and added that drivers and conductors have to face irate commuters who complain of dirty buses, torn seats and broken windowpanes. "We will protest on behalf of the public and may go on one-day token strike."
He further said that BEST fudged its statistics of daily fleet operations. "The management has asked drivers to run several buses from depot to terminus so that the daily turnout is close to 95%," he alleged, adding that about 15% of the buses were not plying daily due to shortage of drivers.
BEST general manager Om Prakash Gupta denied the allegations, saying that efforts were being taken to reduce breakdowns and complaints on dirty buses were being redressed.
BEST CASE
SCENARIO Total employees | 42,000 Permanent drivers | 9,633 Daily wage drivers | 4,119 (Rs 230 per day) Permanent conductors | 10,557
Daily wage conductors | 4,270 (Rs 176 per day) Total Fleet | 4,643 busesCNG (green) buses | 2,718 Diesel buses | 1,925 King Longs | 270 (BEST will get a Mercedes Benz and 50 AC Volvos soon) Daily Distance Covered | 7.44 lakh km Daily passengers | 45 lakh
>>>And to this typical, standard, non committal reply by Transport Department, BEST, to an email>>>
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Transport <transport@bestundertaking.com>
To:
Sent: Fri, 18 June, 2010 11:14:26 AM
Subject: Re: Feedback tdo BEST and informaton needed
Sir,
This refers to your mail to us. The staff members are being instructed to ensure that the reserved seats for various category of passengers are available to them, on request and also to help them. Instructions have also been issued to halt the buses near to the kerb.
Yours Faithfully
Traffic Superintendent
Planning and Control>>>The situation is so unfortunate, that BEST administration can't discipline nor control the drivers, even when there is BEST Traffic Manual in existence, that all BEST staff have to follow, unless it is no more validExcerpts
68.3 Drivers:- While moving in buses, the ATO will watchthe driving habits of the driver particularly, (i) dangerousdriving / over taking (ii) cutting lanes, (iii) jerky gear changing,(iv) riding the clutch, (v) not giving signals, (vi) cruising (vii)changing to lower gears to cut speed, (viii) bad parking, etc. Hewill instruct the defaulting drivers. A report will be sent toDivisional Head, in case of repeaters.DRIVERS108. Allotment of duty: A Driver will be allotted duties in the sameway as Conductors. He will be issued an attendance card everymonth showing therein his weekly off for the month, the dutyallotted to his and the calling time of the duty.109. Reporting on duty:109.1 He will put on a proper and clean uniform whilereporting on duty and will display his metal badge number andthe P. S. V. Badge on the left side chest pocket.110. Turning out buses - He will check the bus and bring it at theturning out gate where it should be stopped for inspection bythe Security Guard. He will start the bus only after receivingthe starting bell from the conductor.110.1 In case he does not know the destination to which the busis booked, he will enquire with the conductor and will proceedtowards the destination after displaying the board.110.2 On way to the terminus, he will halt his bus at all theschedules stops. Whether there are passengers to alight or notand will start his bus from the stops only on getting the startingbell from the conductor. (L.N.No.2l4/79 dated 3l.8.79).111. At the Terminus:111.1 On reaching the terminus, he will hand over his time cardto the Starters. On getting bus number from the Starter, he willtake charge of the bus after checking it. He will not test the busat the terminus unless, defect is written by the relieved Driver.111.2 In case the Driver has to give relief on line, he will go tothe relief point concerned and present his attendance card to therelief starter. In case the bus to which he has to given relief hasnot arrived, he will obtain the bus number from the Starter andwait near the chowkey. As soon as the bus arrives, he willcollect the bus card from the relieved Driver and will check thebus for any fresh damages/missing fitments, which he will pointout to the relieved Driver and get them entered on the bus card.The relieved Driver will enter the 'off duty' time and closingnumber of kilometer on the bus card.111.3 He will enter 'On Car' time opening number of kilometerand his staff number on the bus card.111.4 He will start the bus immediately on receiving thestarting signal from the conductor.112. Driving112.1 Rules of the road: While driving a bus, a Driver willobserve all the rules of the road concerning:i) Speed Limit - They must adhere to be speed limit laiddown, which is 40 km. per hour in the Brihan Mumbai Area,excluding the Express Highway. The Driver will always keepa safe distance between his bus and the vehicle in front.ii) Giving signals,iii) Traffic signals,iv) Pedestrian crossing: (a) When Drivers approach apedestrian crossing, they must proceed at a speed which willenable them to stop before reaching the crossing, unless theysee that there is no pedestrian on the crossing. (b) When apedestrian crossing place is controlled by police or lightsignals, they must give way to the pedestrian on the crossing,(c) They must not stop on any pedestrian crossing unlessforced to do so either by circumstances beyond their controlor to avoid an accident.142v) Keeping to the left.vi) Stopping within two feet of the kerb.vii) Overtaking only from the right except when the Driver infront has signaled his intention to turn to the right. Slowmoving vehicles not to be overtaken while approaching thebus stops. After overtaking, not to cut sharply to the left.viii) Giving way to the traffic on the right except whenemerging on the main roads. Vehicles on the main road havepriority at all times.ix) Target of KMPL: to achieve the desired KMPL target,every bus driver while reaching to bus stop should apply theconcept of cruising.112.2 Safety and comfort of the passengers: The Driver willinculcate in him good driving habits, so as to make the journeyof his passengers safe and comfortable. He will particularlyavoid (1) jerky gear changing (2) sudden and violent braking,(3) fast turns, (4) riding on the clutch, (5) changing to lowergears to reduce speed, etc.113. Stops:113.1 A Driver will halt his bus at a request stop only when apassenger signals him to stop or when a conductor gives asingle bell indicating a passenger is to alight. Otherwise the busshould not be halted at such stops.Permanent stop: Passengers will be picked up and set downonly at stops (except in case of the routes on which "Hail,Board, and Alight" concept is implemented). Buses will not beslowed down or stopped in between the stops to pick up / setdown passengers/members of the staff personnel.114. Bell signals – The staff observe the following code of bellsignals.Signals from the lower deck Conductor to the Driver –One ring: StopTwo rings: StartThree rings: Emergency stop.115 Parking at a terminus:115.1 A Driver will park his bus in such a way, as not toobstruct other vehicles or carriageways.115.2 He will have the radiator topped up at the end of eachjourney and will see that the radiator cap is secure. If the watertopping point is en-route, he will top the radiator at such point.115.3 He will check up all the lights around 16.00 hrs, so thatdefects, if any, could be rectified except one row of saloonlights on each deck and the parking lights.115.4 While starting the engine, he will switch off all the lights.>>>
When such specific instructions are already in place, it is a wonder how the drivers are getting away with rash and dangerous driving, and all other traffic violations.It is alkso a wonder wghy 'dedicated' lanes are being discussed, when the drivers have to follow extreme left lane, which itself becomes the bus lane.Drivers have to be behind the bEST bus haead and not overatke even if there are no apssengers or halt, and be in siongle line / lane, like a bus 'train'.Movement of buses will be faster, traffic will be faster, much safer.400 'safe' bus drivers will drive home a safety lesson
Somit Sen | TNN
Mumbai: Following the death of an eight-year-old student who was hit by a speeding BEST bus at Aarey Colony on Thursday, the transport body has hit upon a novel plan to sensitise its drivers.
The BEST has identified 400 drivers with an "accident-free'' record for the past 25 years and they will now be asked to conduct lessons in safe driving for about 10,000 colleagues in the department. Rash and negligent driving is common among BEST drivers in Mumbai, especially during early morning and late night hours. The traffic police too cite a survey conducted last year, which found that 20% of rash drivers were from BEST. Statistics also show that the number of fatal accidents involving BEST buses have not dropped below the 40-mark for the past three years. There were 40 accidents in 2007, 48 in 2008 and 42 last year.
The recent accident of a schoolboy, Prashant, who died after being run over by a speeding bus, has set alarm bells ringing. The driver, Sagar Landge (25), has been booked by the police and the BEST is serious about ensuring that such incidents are not repeated. "We want efficient drivers to conduct workshops every week for colleagues and tell them about the ill effects of rash and negligent driving,'' a senior BEST official said. "Most drivers are under pressure because they have deadlines. So, they tend to speed up. There have been cases of BEST buses not stopping at a red signal,'' he added.
BEST spokesperson A S Tamboli said the transport body had built a 'preventive vehicle', which goes to every depot in the city and an audio-visual presentation is made on how to prevent mishaps. "It also warns the driver of consequences—he can lose his job and land behind bars for speeding and running over pedestrians,'' he said.
BEST is also conducting "workshops on de-stress techniques'' at its training centre in Oshiwara. "Drivers can learn to fight stress through activities including yoga, spiritual discourses, music and simple breathing exercises,'' Tamboli added.
BEST committee member Dilip Patel said drivers and conductors were stressed out primarily because of poor working conditions. Trouble Spots
JUNE 17, 2010 | An 8-yearold school student, Prashant, died in a road accident at Aarey Colony. The Aarey police arrested BEST bus driver, Sagar Landge (23), for rash and negligent driving. APRIL 11, 2010 | A 26-year-old died after he fell off his motorcycle and was run over by a BEST bus at Govandi APRIL 7, 2010 | A 55-year-old man was killed when a BEST bus ran him over outside the Bhika Behram Well near the Central Telegraph Office FEB 22, 2010 | Nearly 17 commuters suffered minor injuries when a BEST bus rammed into another at Goregaon Link Road
>>>Dedicated Lanes and more for the BEST deal
Posted On Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 04:17:20 PM
The BEST undertaking is serious about introducing dedicated lanes for the BEST buses along the eastern express highway. According to O P Gupta, who has recently taken over as the general manager of BEST, "The concept of dedicated lanes will be implemented very shortly along the EEH as this stretch has wide roads.
BEST is working out plans with MMRDA (the agency responsible for the makeover EEH) to demarcate the lanes, identify areas where bus sheds can be constructed.We ahve already had a few metings in this regard." Sumitra Sawant, deputy PRO from BEST Worli office says, "The concept of dedicated lanes will be extended to Western Express Highway as well as the Jogeswari Link Road." She added "The BEST is also planning to restructure its existing bus routes across the city."
A S Tamboli, the chief PRO officer from BEST informs, "The planning department of BEST will conduct a detailed study to look into revenue generation of various routes. New bus routes will be introduced in areas where there is dense population and those routes which do not generate enough revenue will be terminated or the routes will be altered."
"There is only one bus route plying inside the Hiranandani complex despite the fact that there are several offices located inside this complex. During monsoon we commuters are forced to alight at the main gate and walk to our offices as the autos refuse to ply short distance" bemoans Aparna Joshi, one vexed commuter.
Madhu Kotian heading a commuters association from Mulund states, "There is not a single bus operating from Mulund station (W) to areas like Sarvodaya nagar and Nahur village. During peak hours residents do not get autos, they are forced to walk the distance up to Maharashtra Seva Sangh from Mulund station in order to get a rickshaw.Similarly, commuters alighting on the eastern side of Mulund also have to rely on the single bus route to take them to their residence inside MHADA colony. In the evenings one can see serpentine queues for rickshaws outside Ganesh Talkies. The BEST must think in terms of operating shorter routes for the benefit of general public.
"Likewise commuters who alight at Bhandup station have to depend on mini buses to reach areas like Tembipada. With the auto fares likely to go up commuters from our suburb want more buses to be pressed into service. The commuters want more buses plying on shorter routes.
>>>Sharad Rao threatens non-cooperation drive
TNN, Oct 31, 2002, 01.17am ISTMUMBAI: Even as the contentious issue of the festival bonus continues to simmer in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC), union leader Sharad Rao on Tuesday threatened that after Diwali, all workers who have not been paid over-time will launch a non-cooperation drive and not report to duty till their arrears are cleared.
The non-cooperation drive is likely to affect the working of cemeteries, hospitals, security and transport departments, Mr Rao said at a press conference. Alleging that there are more than 25,000 posts lying vacant in the BMC, he said the existing employees are compelled to work over-time and some of them have not been paid their dues for the past five years.
"We are giving sufficient notice to the BMC administration to ensure that essential services are not affected during the non-cooperation drive," he said. Mr Rao said that his Municipal Mazdoor Union (MMU), which has a membership of 72,000 civic employees, had not accepted the administration's proposal to give employees Rs 4,000 each as a festival advance.
"We are meeting chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Friday with our demand that BMC employees be paid the same package as BEST workers,'' he said. The BEST management has agreed to pay Rs 5,000 as a festival advance against the pay revision arrears.
He added that his union would accept the Rs 4,000 advance even as the fight for the extra Rs 1,000 continues. "A recoverable advance cannot be equated to a bonus.Our fight for bonus will continue and we will ask the state government to refer the bonus issue to the industrial court to get a final settlement," Mr Rao said.
He added, "We hope that after the meeting with Mr Deshmukh there will be no need for an agitation over the bonus issue." Debunking the administration's claims that its finances are constrained, Mr Rao said: "According to our calculations, the BMC would have a surplus of more than Rs 1,002.77 crores this year".
Mr Rao criticised the Shiv Sena-affiliated Municipal Kamgar Sena, Brihanmumbai Mahapalika Shikshan Sabha and Municipal Karmachari Kaamgar Mahasabha for signing agreement with the administration accepting the proposal to give Rs 4,000 festival advance to the workers. "These unions, which do not even have 15 per cent of the work force their members, are trading the workers' interests for political gains," he claimed.
He added: "There are 47 unions in the BMC itself. Instead of working together to get the maximum benefit for the workers each them are simply interested in gaining political mileage."
>>>BEST employees may go on strike from Oct 24
TNN, Oct 20, 2002, 12.27am IST>>>MUMBAI: Municipal Mazdoor Union leader Sharad Rao on Saturday said BEST employees would go on an indefinite strike only from October 24 if the administration failed to disburse the Divali bonus. He had earlier said the strike would begin on October 21.
But after a marathon meeting on Sunday evening, the union leader said they had decided to wait till the 24th. However, he said, the employees would take out a procession to Shivaji Park on Monday as a token protest. They are also slated to meet mayor Mahadeo Devle to press for their demands.
The union is also protesting against the induction of 10,000 temporary workers in the BMC on "very low salaries''.
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