Mumbai News: Over 4,000 Retired BEST Employees Await Gratuity, Retirement Benefits Since August 2022; Union Alleges Legal Violations

Mumbai: More than 4,000 retired employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, who retired from service after August 1, 2022, are yet to receive their gratuity and other retirement benefits, sparking widespread discontent and allegations of legal violations.

The BEST Workers Union has accused the Undertaking of flouting provisions under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, and breaching previously signed agreements. According to the union leader Shashank Rao, the prolonged non-payment has placed several retirees under severe financial strain, despite repeated assurances from BEST authorities.

In a strongly worded letter to the Undertaking, the union has demanded immediate disbursal of all pending dues, emphasizing the growing hardship faced by former employees.

“It is unacceptable that employees who have given decades of service are being denied their rightful dues,” Shashank Rao stated in letter to the BEST general manager, highlighting the fact that even Lok-Adalat settlements, including one as recent as September 28, 2024, have failed to bring relief.

The union’s statement pointed to Section 4 of the Payment of Gratuity Act and a June 6, 2006 agreement, which entitle BEST employees to enhanced gratuity benefits. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 11, 2019, had committed BEST to settle all retirement benefits by September 30, 2019. However, the union alleges that none of these commitments have been honored for the employees who retired after August 2022.

Adding to the growing list of grievances, retirees have also not received arrears related to wage agreements from April 1, 2016, nor have they been paid Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) or ex-gratia in lieu of bonuses.

The union has warned that these continued delays may amount to unfair labour practices under Items 5 and 9 of Schedule IV of the Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices (MRTU & PULP) Act, 1971. Calling for an urgent meeting with BEST management, the union reiterated its demand for immediate resolution.

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