108 ambulance staff to start strike from May 6 night

Bengaluru: 108 ambulance services across the state will grind to a halt from tonight 8, leaving many in dire straits, as employees demand the release of three months’ worth of salary arrears.

The looming suspension stems from grievances within the 108 ambulance services, overseen by GVK, regarding unpaid salaries spanning from December 2023 to April 2024.

Despite negotiations with health department officials, only partial payments for December and January were made, leaving employees in limbo.

Paramashivaiah, Vice President of the 108 Ambulance Employees Union, emphasized that the full salary for three months remains outstanding.

The repercussions of delayed wages are profound, affecting the livelihoods of those dependent on their wages. Despite numerous appeals to the organization, pleas for salary disbursement have fallen on deaf ears. Tragically, the severity of the situation was underscored by a recent suicide attempt by an ambulance crew member, citing financial distress due to unpaid salaries. Such incidents, Paramashivaiah fears, are becoming increasingly prevalent statewide.

In a bold ultimatum, employees have set a deadline for the release of outstanding wages by 8 pm on Monday. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the suspension of ambulance services statewide, a move that could potentially exacerbate emergencies and endanger lives. GVK bears the brunt of responsibility for any calamities arising from this suspension, warned Paramashivaiah.

With over 715 ambulances operating under the government system, encompassing approximately 3000 personnel including drivers and assistant crew, the impact of this suspension is far-reaching. Urgent intervention is imperative to avert a crisis and ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential emergency services.