India, June 23 -- A day after the BEST strike was called off, 15% to 20% of the buses were still off the roads. Union leaders explained that it was normal practice for staffers to not join work immediately after a strike.

Operational data released by BEST on Monday morning showed that services were still recovering. At 8 am, only 165 of the 188 scheduled BEST-owned buses had left their depots, while 835 of the 1,454 scheduled BEST drivers and 1,325 of the 2,198 conductors had reported for duty. Similarly, only 178 of the 212 scheduled bus starters and 139 of the 206 inspectors were present.

The situation improved by 10 am, but services remained below normal levels. Out of 220 scheduled BEST buses, only 198 were on the road. Driver atten...