Bhubaneswar: Employees of the 108 ambulance service launched a statewide strike on Wednesday in support of their several demands including equal pay for equal work, job security and gratuity among other benefits.
According to protestors, they decided to stage protests over job losses and pay disparity following a change in management. The new company has allegedly fired 96 employee union leaders across the state, prompting demands for their reinstatement. Furthermore, a special relief package announced by the previous BJD government has yet to be disbursed to the workers.
As per the previous government announcement, the special relief package included a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 for drivers and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Rs 3,000 for helpers. Besides, the 108 ambulance crew members were supposed to receive a monthly special allowance in addition to their existing basic salary. However, the current government has failed to disburse the package to them.
As per reports, the workers have decided to switch off the GPS buttons and operate the vehicles in offline mode. This move will no doubt impact patient services across various locations, including Bhubaneswar, Malkangiri and Kendrapara. The protesting workers are determined to continue their stir till their demands are met.
The BJP government has been urged to intervene and address the grievances of the 108 ambulance employees to restore emergency medical services in the state.
