Maharashtra Transport Union Plans Protests Before Diwali
The Maharashtra State Transport Kamgar Sanghatana has announced protests to address financial and administrative demands ahead of Diwali.
Union demands a Diwali bonus of ₹25,000 and additional payments.
Protests scheduled in Mumbai and Nagpur, starting November 3.
Call for improved healthcare facilities and better pay scales for staff.
On October 22, 2026, the Maharashtra State Transport Kamgar Sanghatana declared its intention to hold a series of protests and strikes, issuing a notice to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The union is demanding a resolution to its grievances by November 2, ahead of the Diwali festival.
The planned actions include a procession in Mumbai on November 3, followed by a delegation visit to the Maharashtra Assembly in Nagpur on November 4. Starting November 5, union members will conduct sit-in protests outside MSRTC offices and departmental headquarters throughout the state. The union has warned that if their demands are not met before Diwali, they will escalate their agitation.
Among the financial demands, the union is requesting a Diwali bonus of ₹25,000, along with an additional payment of ₹12,500. They also seek the disbursement of October salaries by November 2, resolution of annual increment arrears dating back to 2016, and settlement of pending housing and health allowance arrears from 2018. Additionally, they are advocating for an increase in health allowance from 58% to 60% starting January 2026, and a pay scale comparable to that of government employees.
The union's administrative demands include the rejection of certain policies and the correction of errors on cards issued to women and citizens. They are also calling for the ability to recharge cards at MSRTC offices and an end to alleged harassment of passengers regarding UPI payments. Welfare demands encompass healthcare facilities for staff and their families, as well as the cessation of contractual hiring practices.
Looking ahead, the union has urged the corporation to prioritize the development of spaces for women’s groups rather than allotting land to petroleum companies. They have also called for the cancellation of contracts for electric buses, advocating for the corporation to manufacture its own buses. Furthermore, they are demanding the withdrawal of a circular that denies maternity leave to women using surrogacy and disciplinary actions against officials who breach regulations.
