Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 14: A flash strike by wet-lease company workers disrupted 210 bus services in Mumbai on Monday morning. The protest took place at the Pratiksha Nagar (Sion) and Dharavi bus depots, following the alleged "insulting treatment" of a pregnant conductor by company employees. Commuters expressed frustration over the increasing unpredictability of a once-reliable public transport service.

Incident details

The strike was triggered when a pregnant conductor, Supriya Kadam, in her advanced stage of pregnancy, requested lighter duties from the company manager. Her request was denied, and she was reportedly insulted, sparking outrage among her colleagues. By Monday afternoon, the strike was called off.

Worker grievances

Employees of Mateshwari Urban Transport, the wet-lease company managing operations at several depots including Santacruz, Majas, Wadala, Mulund, Dharavi, and Pratiksha Nagar, voiced their dissatisfaction over delayed and inadequate salaries. They also demanded permanent employment status.

Escalation and police involvement

The situation escalated when Pradeep Magare, the secretary of the Mathadi Workers Union, accompanied Kadam to meet the Anik depot manager to request lighter duties for her. An argument ensued with Salim Khatri, the company manager, after he refused the request and allegedly insulted Kadam. Magare reportedly assaulted Khatri during the confrontation, leading to complaints being filed by various parties involved at the Wadala Truck Terminal police station.