Karnataka 108 ambulance crews threaten strike over increments and pay

Around 3,200 drivers and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) of Karnataka's 108 ambulance service have threatened to stop work from Wednesday midnight, according to a Deccan Herald report published on October 14, 2026. The call comes from two staff bodies, the Suvarna Karnataka Arogya Kavacha (108) Employees Association and the Karnataka State Arogya Kavacha (108) Ambulance Employees Association.

The associations say talks with Health department officials failed to deliver on promises made during the last round of discussions, when a strike had also been declared. They say officials had agreed to an increment, but they now understand the government has decided against it. They have received permission to protest at Freedom Park on October 22.

The staff are appointed through GVK EMRI. The associations said the company sent a revised proposal of Rs 174 crore including increments, but the department denied accepting it. The tender with GVK EMRI was signed in 2018 for Rs 162 crore and has continued for eight years, according to an EMT quoted in the report. Some staff said they earn as little as Rs 12,000 a month.

Health Minister U T Khader said the government wants to call new tenders and had asked the staff to wait until December.

Demands listed in the report

• Annual increments, on a seniority basis
• A shift system for working hours
• Rs 50 lakh compensation for drivers who die on duty
• Salaries credited before the seventh of every month
• Basic amenities at all locations where crews work

Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers

The dispute shows how pay, increments and contract terms for 108 crews remain unresolved in Karnataka, and any stoppage could affect emergency response in the state.