Jharkhand 108 ambulance staff defer strike after talks; 18 November deadline set

The proposed statewide strike by 108 ambulance employees in Jharkhand has been put on hold after talks with the health department, according to Amar Ujala. The Jharkhand Pradesh Ambulance Karmchari Sangh has postponed its agitation until after Chhath Puja.

The decision followed a high-level meeting with Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh. The union said the delay does not mean it is backing down: if the demands are not resolved by 18 November, it will begin an indefinite statewide strike.

Points agreed, as reported

• No employee can be dismissed arbitrarily. Complaints will first be examined by an inquiry team that includes the state NHM team, the district civil surgeon and union representatives.
• Salaries will be paid through an escrow account so the health department can monitor payment directly.
• Pay will not be cut if an ambulance has a technical fault or if no patient case comes in during a shift.
• Statutory benefits such as minimum wages, EPF, ESI, annual leave, life insurance and bonus are to be provided on time.
• Biometric attendance devices will be fitted in all ambulances, and new appointments will need prior NHM approval.

The department has asked for some days to complete the legal and administrative steps, including possibly amending or cancelling the current ambulance operation tender and inviting a fresh one. The union also said it would call an emergency meeting within 72 hours if the operating company takes any punitive action against staff.

Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers

The terms touch on wage transparency, job security and operator contracts, which affect crews and private operators working under state 108 contracts.