Karnataka 108 Ambulance Staff Withdraw Strike After Government Assures Talks on Demands
Employees had threatened mass resignations over salary revisions and working conditions, raising concerns about emergency services across the state
Bengaluru (Fikrokhabar News): Employees of Karnataka’s 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance service have temporarily withdrawn their proposed statewide strike following assurances from Health Department officials that their demands would be discussed with the Health Minister.
The employees had announced plans to stop work from 10:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14, over the non fulfilment of demands related to salary revisions, annual increments and working conditions. The proposed action had raised concerns about possible disruptions to emergency medical services across Karnataka.
According to reports, representatives of the employees’ association met Health Department Principal Secretary Ritwik Ranjanam Pandey on Wednesday. The officials assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the Health Minister and that possible measures would be considered within the available funds.
Following the meeting, the association decided to withdraw the strike call for the time being and continue ambulance services. However, employees have sought a written assurance and indicated that they could resume their agitation if their demands remain unresolved.
The association represents thousands of drivers, emergency medical technicians and other staff working under the 108 Arogya Kavacha service, which is operated by GVK EMRI Health Services.
The employees have demanded annual salary increments that they say have remained pending for years, a uniform salary structure across all zones, and pay fixation based on seniority. They have also called for a three shift system for ambulance operations and payment of salaries before the seventh day of every month in accordance with labour regulations.
Other demands include compensation of Rs 50 lakh for employees who die in accidents while on duty or suffer permanent disability, along with better workplace facilities such as washrooms, rest areas and adequate water for cleaning ambulances.
Before the latest talks, Health Minister U T Khader had said the government would not yield to pressure tactics. He clarified that the employees were employed by GVK EMRI rather than directly by the government and urged the public to explore alternative emergency medical services while the state considered changes to the ambulance system. He also warned that action could be taken against the service provider if patients were affected by disruptions.
For now, the strike has been deferred following the officials’ assurances. The resolution of the employees’ demands will depend on further discussions between the association, the Health Department and the service provider.