Navi Mumbai: In response to ongoing grievances and lack of resolution despite multiple follow-ups with the municipal administration, daily wage and contract employees of Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport Department initiated a protest on Monday by wearing black armbands while on duty. The protest was led by the Maharashtra Karmachari Sangh, affiliated with INTUC and ITF, under the leadership of labour leader Ravindra Sawant.

The protesting employees, including drivers and transport workers, have been employed on daily wages and lump-sum contracts for over 15 years. Despite their continuous service, the workers have not received permanent employment status, salary increases, or basic benefits such as mediclaim and proper uniforms. Sawant submitted a formal request to Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, demanding that the administration address these long-standing issues and provide essential facilities to the transport employees.

"The administration’s negligence toward transport employees, who serve thousands of passengers daily, is unacceptable," Sawant said. He warned the administration that a strike could be imminent if their demands are not addressed. Workers expressed frustration that even in case of accidents or illness, they are not compensated or provided with medical coverage, forcing them to borrow money for healthcare.

The protest was marked by a significant turnout, with employees donning black armbands as a symbol of their dissatisfaction and to raise public awareness of their plight.

As the protest continues, the Maharashtra Karmachari Sangh has urged the NMMC administration to implement the 2010 labour commission order and Transport Committee resolutions to improve wages, provide healthcare benefits, and supply appropriate work attire. Transport employees vow to continue their protest until their grievances are addressed.