Thane Municipal Workers Threaten Protests Over Lower Diwali Bonus Compared To Other Civic Bodies

Thane, November 04, 2026 - Strained relations between the Thane Municipal Corporation and municipal workers loom over the upcoming Diwali holiday. The Municipal Labour Union has harshly criticized the municipal body's ex-gratia bonus of ₹25,000 for the fiscal year 2025-26, claiming it falls short compared to neighboring municipal corporations' offerings.

Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar announced the bonus on October 30, but the union vehemently opposes the amount, highlighting that employees in other areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Maharashtra receive significantly higher festival allowances. The union's memorandum states that Navi Mumbai employees receive ₹45,000, Panvel workers ₹35,500, Mumbai civic workers ₹33,000, Nashik personnel ₹31,500, and Pimpri-Chinchwad workers ₹30,000.

Smaller municipal councils like Khopoli and Uran also announced ₹35,000 each. Union leaders argue that unilateral decision-making without consulting recognized employee organizations is unjust. General Secretary Chetan Ambonkar emphasized that the administration must engage in discussions and arrive at a fair solution before Diwali.

If the bonus remains unchanged at ₹25,000, the union warns of severe protests over pending grievances. The union submitted a notice for a demonstration and a memorandum to Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, requesting a revision of the bonus to ₹30,000 and addressing long-standing issues. The workers are set to stage a sit-in protest outside the TMC headquarters in anticipation of the festive season.