With the current wage settlement between the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and the Mumbai Mazdoor Sabha (MMS) expiring in March 2025, the trust has yet to meet its commitments to the workers under the terms of the agreement, alleged MMS president Chandbibi Zaidi. MMS has filed a complaint of an "Unfair Labour Practice” under The Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Unions and Prevention of Unfair Labour Practices Act, 1971 for non-receipt of dearness allowance, leave travel allowance and medical reimbursements and due increments (see "BPP workers protest,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, May 21, 2023).
A distraught Zaidi told Parsiana on October 21, 2024 that she did not know why the commitments made under the last settlement were not being honored. "They have made provisions in the books… More than 12 court hearings had taken place,” she said.
Parsiana inquired from BPP chairman Viraf Mehta on October 24 about the settlement, who said, "We are still in court.” The Wadia Baugs’ workers, who have a separate union, are said to be closer to a settlement with the BPP.
Yet another BPP trustee told us on October 22 that the agreement with the Wadia union will soon be signed as terms have been agreed on. Trustee Xerxes Dastur, when questioned about the settlement with the MMS replied, "Still trying.” Trustee Hoshang Jal stated that the discussions with the Wadia Baugs’ union have been amicable.
BPP’s balance sheet for the financial year April 2022 to March 2023 shows a loss of Rs 4.8 crores (USD 574,607). This is the fourth consecutive year they have shown a deficit (see "Another year, another loss,” Parsiana, May 7-20, 2024). The balance sheet for the year ending March 2024 is not as yet available on their website bombayparsipunchayet.org.
Farrokh Jijina