MSRTC staff to hold statewide protest from November 3, then indefinite sit-in over pending dues

With Diwali just two days away, employees of the state transport corporation have decided to launch an agitation. The Maharashtra ST Kamgar Sanghatana has announced a statewide protest to press for the pending financial and other just demands of employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

The agitation will begin on November 3, 2026 and will be held in three phases. It will be carried out at all ST depots in the state. The union has also warned that the indefinite sit-in will continue until the demands are met.

Sandeep Shinde, the union's central president, gave details of the agitation. He said the union has planned the protest to draw attention to the pending financial issues of ST employees and other just demands.

In the first phase, on November 3, 2026, bell-ringing and strong demonstrations will be held at all ST depots across the state. The aim is to draw the administration's attention to the employees' demands.

The second phase will be held on November 4. On that day, large gate meetings will be held at ST depots across the state, along with strong demonstrations. The employees' demands will be put forward through these.

In the third phase, an indefinite sit-in will begin on November 5, 2026. The union has made clear that it will continue until the demands of ST employees are met.

A special programme has been arranged at Mumbai Central in connection with the agitation. A large bell-ringing protest, strong demonstrations and a gate meeting will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in front of the union's central office. The union said the agitation will draw the administration's attention to the pending financial demands and other just issues of ST employees.

Shinde has also expressed the hope that the media will stand by ST employees in their fight for their rightful dues and cooperate in getting their issues a fair hearing.

The agitation at depots across the state is likely to bring the issue of ST employees' pending demands to the fore once again. However, the union's statement does not say clearly what effect the agitation will have on ST bus services.