Maharashtra Bus Workers Strike Hits Travel Plans Ahead of Ganpati Festival

Unannounced Strike Disrupts Services Just Days Before Major Festival

In a significant development, employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) have launched an unannounced strike just four days before the Ganpati festival. This industrial action, initiated by an action committee of 11 trade unions, has led to disruptions in bus services across the state.

Extent of the Disruption

According to the MSRTC, buses have ceased operations at 35 out of 250 depots statewide. While the strike has not yet significantly impacted Mumbai’s roads, its effects are becoming apparent in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and other cities. The Thane division, including Kalyan and Vitthalwadi depots, is particularly affected, with services fully suspended in these areas.

An MSRTC spokesperson explained, "The strike began at 8 am on Tuesday, leading to a complete halt of services at 35 depots. While services in the Mumbai division remain largely unaffected, the Thane division has seen notable disruptions."

impact on Ganpati Festival Travel

The Ganpati festival, a major celebration in Maharashtra, particularly in the Konkan region, is expected to see a surge in travel demand. MSRTC had planned to operate 5,000 extra buses from 3-7 September to accommodate festival travelers. However, the ongoing strike poses a threat to these plans, potentially causing significant difficulties for passengers who have booked travel to their hometowns for the festivities.

Demands and Negotiations

The strike has been called by the Maharashtra ST Kamgar Sanyukt Kruti Samiti, which is demanding a salary increase for MSRTC employees and other benefits. The union's negotiations with the state government last month failed to reach an agreement. The committee is seeking salaries comparable to those of state government employees.

Wider Impact and MSRTC’s Role

The strike is causing severe disruptions in several districts, including Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Nashik, affecting both bus operations and passenger movement. MSRTC, with a fleet of approximately 15,000 buses and a workforce of 90,000, is crucial to Maharashtra’s public transportation system. Serving over 6 million passengers daily, MSRTC buses are a lifeline for many in the state.

The MSRTC and the striking unions will need to reach a swift resolution to minimize the impact on travelers and ensure smooth transportation during the festive period.