The Bombay Parsi Punchayet’s (BPP) financial woes (see "A balancing act,” Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, May 7-20, 2023) came greater into public awareness when their workers took to wearing red Gandhi topis. They were protesting the "management’s decision to hold back some emoluments due to our financial situation,” explained BPP trustee Xerxes Dastur in a WhatsApp text message to Parsiana when asked the reason for their donning of headgear.
File photo of BPP workers
"We wish to enter into a supplementary wage agreement with the union taking into account our dire financial situation,” he added. The BPP balance sheet for the last three years has shown a loss with the figure for the financial year April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 being Rs 6.8 crores.
The workers’ union, the Mumbai Mazdoor Sabha headed by Chandbibi Zaidi, has reportedly filed a complaint of an "Unfair Labour Practice” under The Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971.
Speaking to Parsiana, Zaidi said that dearness allowance, leave travel allowance and medical reimbursements were not being paid. Also, there is no progress on the increments due to the workers under the wage settlement. The agitation has been on for over a month.
The Parsi Times weekly of May 13 carried a plea titled "A fervent appeal to all residents/tenants of Parsi Punchayet colonies and baugs” stating: "Our Union had signed a settlement regarding revision in our service conditions on or about April 12, 2022…
"It is we, the workers and staff employees including employees at Doongerwadi, who toil day and night to keep the trust running smoothly by performing every task that is given to us...
"All of you would appreciate that we are also an integral part of your community and you benevolent souls would definitely not like us to suffer such degradation and helplessness.
"We express our heartfelt apology if this causes you any inconvenience in the near future.”