VVMC Bus Strike: Workers Halt Services Over Pending Demands; Thousands Of Vasai-Virar Commuters Affected

On Tuesday, transport staff for the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) embarked on an unexpected strike, disrupting bus services across the region. The sudden halt came after the workers raised concerns over multiple issues, including wage parity with other municipal services, overtime payments, and the abolition of the current contract system. Despite complaints from workers, authorities failed to take any action, leading to the strike and significant inconvenience for commuters.

The strike has halted VVMC buses, which are the primary mode of transportation for many residents. Currently, the buses are parked at their depots in Virar and Sativali, leaving thousands of passengers without a reliable means of travel. As a result, commuters have been forced to seek alternative transportation options, causing further disruption to daily routines and potentially exacerbating existing traffic congestion.

Among the main demands of the striking workers, wage parity with municipal transport services in other cities stood out. The workers also called for proper implementation of overtime payments, adherence to legal working hours with adequate breaks, and the termination of the current contract system. Additionally, they raised concerns about bonus payments, gratuity, return of deposits, and alleged financial penalties and disciplinary actions against employees.

VVMC currently operates around 114 buses, serving 36 routes and carrying approximately 60,000-65,000 passengers daily. The strike has significantly impacted this transportation network, with many commuters struggling to find alternative ways to reach their destinations. The strike began around 6 am, and as of now, there has been no official response from the municipality, leaving commuters uncertain about the future of their daily commutes.