Jharkhand 108 ambulance staff announce statewide strike from 15 October night
Unpaid since July, Jharkhand 108 ambulance workers announced a statewide strike from 8 pm on 15 October; the health department is arranging substitutes.
Ambulance employees running Jharkhand's 108 service have announced a statewide strike, according to a Prabhat Khabar report. The Jharkhand Pradesh Ambulance Karmchari Sangh has warned that services may be disrupted from 8 pm on 15 October until 8 am on 17 October, with the strike day fixed as 16 October.
On Wednesday, employees in all districts held dharna protests, marching from the Civil Surgeon's office to the Deputy Commissioner's office. The union's state general secretary and Ranchi district president, Suraj Sahu, said salaries have been pending since July. He also listed pay deductions, negligence in repairing ambulances and the non-reinstatement of dismissed staff as grievances.
Sahu said Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari had assured on 16 September that the problems would be resolved within 15 to 20 days, but no action followed. The union has informed Sammaan Foundation and the health department about the strike.
The health department, meanwhile, has directed all Civil Surgeons to arrange additional drivers and paramedical staff as an alternative arrangement, the report said.
Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers
- Months of unpaid wages are the central issue behind the protest.
- Districts are being told to prepare substitute crews, so duty arrangements may change during the strike window.
Read the full report at the source: Prabhat Khabar
This is a summary written by the Ambulance Owner Association. The facts are from the source named above.