Rao conducted the strikes without politicising them, say union leaders who witnessed reign of both generations
In 1997, former trade union leader Sharad Rao — who came to be known as the man who could bring the city to a halt — led a 3-day strike of auto rickshaw unions to make their demands price rise heard among both, the public and the authorities. Today, history has repeated itself with Sharad Rao's son, Shashank Rao carrying forward his father's legacy in the face of diminishing significance of union strikes in these modern times.
Eight years ago Shashank Rao in his debut took over the reigns of trade union strikes leading the massive auto rickshaw union strike. Veteran workers of the union who witnessed Sharad Rao's leadership, too, have felt the rise in his son's stature as a union leader in the ongoing BEST workers strike. Shashank Rao, they say, has revived the significance of union strikes without politicising them.
"This strike is special especially for the workers and mazdoors because it has not been politicised. Shashank Rao has ensured that the issues stick to genuine problems faced by workers and not take help from political parties.
There is no doubt that he has potential like his father who was a dynamic union leader," veteran union leader of Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Shankar Salvi said. Salvi has been a members of the trade union for 55 years.
(Former union leader Sharad Rao addressing members of the auto-rickhaw union during a protest at the Collectors office in Bandra in 2013 - file photo)
Shashank Rao has been an important part of many a strikes over the years in support of workers and employees of the BEST, BMC, Hawkers, auto and taxi drivers unions. On January 10 and 11, Rao's strength was evident by the support he garnered when he went to meet the BEST workers and their families. This followed even as the administration issued notices under the Maharashtra Essential Services and Maintenance Act and asked them to evict staff quarters.
"The workers look up with hope towards the leaders who come to their aid and deal with their issues. When all political parties failed, Shashank Rao stepped forward and stood up for them. This is why he is garnering the support that he deserves," senior leader with Municipal Mazdoor Union, Anil Nirbhawne said. Nirbhawne has been with the union for 25 years now.
Rao's conviction to make the demands of the unions heard has also earned them support from the Indian Railways unions. At present, unionism is at the forefront in Indian Railways (IR). Thousands of Railways employees are affiliated to the three to four major unions in the IR. Following the BEST administration's actions against its employees, the rail unions have decided to support the BEST strike.
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