TNR News Network
Shimla: Emergency ambulance services under 108 and 102 networks in Himachal Pradesh are likely to be hit as employees have announced a 48-hour strike starting from 8 pm on December 25 till 8 pm on December 27.
The decision, taken by ambulance workers’ unions, comes in protest against what they describe as continued neglect of their long-pending demands by the authorities and alleged favouring of the service-providing company.
Workers allege pressure, ESMA threat
Leaders of the 108 and 102 Ambulance Employees’ Union, including president Sunil Kumar and secretary Balak Ram, said the administration was trying to suppress employees by threatening to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1972, instead of addressing their grievances.
They alleged that despite repeatedly raising issues related to working conditions and exploitation by the company operating the ambulance services, their concerns were ignored. “Rather than resolving our problems, pressure tactics are being used against us,” the union leaders said in a joint statement.
Blame game between company, administration
Union representatives pointed out that while the ambulance service tender was awarded by the government and the administration to a private company, officials distance themselves when employees approach them with complaints.
“We are told we are not government employees. But when it comes to protecting the company, the same administration talks about imposing ESMA on us,” the union alleged.
According to the workers, they have made several attempts to resolve the issues through peaceful means and have apprised the administration of alleged exploitation by the company, but no concrete action has followed.
The union has clarified that any disruption in ambulance services during the strike period should not be blamed on the workers. “The responsibility lies with the company’s policies and the administration’s apathy,” the employees said, while appealing to the public for cooperation and understanding during the protest period.
