Jharkhand 108 ambulance staff begin phased protest, warn of indefinite strike from Oct 21
Jharkhand's 108 ambulance workers began a phased agitation over pay and benefits, with a one-day statewide strike on October 16 and an indefinite strike from October 21.
Workers of the 108 ambulance service in Jharkhand have started a phased protest over pending demands, and have warned of an indefinite strike from October 21 if the issues are not resolved, according to a report from Ranchi.
The Jharkhand State Ambulance Workers Union lists salary delays, salary deductions, EPF, ESI, overtime payment, gratuity and minimum wages among its demands. It also wants the service to be run at government level, with salaries paid through the Civil Surgeon, and employees removed by Samman Foundation to be reinstated.
Schedule announced
- October 6 to 9: workers wear black badges on duty
- October 9: candlelight march
- October 12: begging protest (bhikshatan)
- October 14: sit-in
- October 16: one-day statewide strike, with a demonstration at the NHM office in Namkum
- October 21 onwards: indefinite strike if demands remain unmet
State union president Neeraj Tiwari said Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari had promised a resolution within 15 to 20 days at a meeting on September 16, but no concrete action followed, prompting the escalation, according to the report.
Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers
The report shows the pay, provident fund and insurance concerns facing 108 crews in the state. A statewide strike could disrupt emergency transport in Jharkhand on the announced dates.
Read the full report at the source: Amar Ujala
This is a summary written by the Ambulance Owner Association. The facts are from the source named above.