Following opening of all government offices in Maharashtra, with 10 or 10 per cent staff, whichever is more, all government staff have been told to come to work w.e.f June 8, once a week, or face pay cut. Employees who are absent from work without informing their superiors will have to face strict action, and will have a week’s salary deducted. Those employees who are required to report to the workplace more than once a week, risk losing a day’s salary, for the day that they are absent. Those on sanctioned or medical leave are exempted.
However, the disgruntled employees’ unions are demanding that transport facilities should be organised for the staff before issuing such warnings. The employees feel that without resumption of suburban local trains, it will be difficult for those commuting from far-off places, such as Kalyan. Local trains are the cheapest mode of transport for the people of Mumbai and its suburbs.
Employees have been informed that they can move around without e-passes within the Mumbai Metropolitan region, including Navi Mumbai, Panve, Thane and Kalyan. Private offices have also been allowed to operate with 10 employees or 10 per cent staff, provided they adhere to social distancing and sanitise the premises.
Maharashtra government has been requesting the Central government to resume the Mumbai suburban train services, but is yet to receive a response.
Employees, on the other hand, are wondering how Mumbai’s economy can get back on track without the train services being restored.
