Intensifying Protests by Assam's 108 Ambulance Service Workers Amid Mass Terminations

The ongoing strike by Assam's 108 emergency ambulance service workers has escalated dramatically as over 500 employees were terminated. The protesting workers are demanding fair wages, job security, and the regularization of their positions. Their recent shirtless demonstration symbolizes their feelings of neglect by the government. With tensions rising, the Chief Minister has warned that discussions will not occur until the strike ends, leading to fears of further job losses. This situation highlights the critical role of these workers during emergencies and raises questions about their treatment by the administration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 16:43 IST

Ongoing Strike by Emergency Ambulance Workers

Guwahati, Dec 4: The indefinite strike initiated by employees of Assam's 108 emergency ambulance service has now reached its fourth day, with workers escalating their protests following the termination of over 500 staff members.

Since December 1, the employees have been conducting a sit-in at Chachal, and on Thursday, they staged a shirtless demonstration to highlight what they perceive as the government's disregard for frontline health workers.

The striking workers have firmly stated that they will not end their protest until their long-standing demands are addressed by the government.

A protester expressed, “We have been on the front lines during floods, the Covid-19 pandemic, and other emergencies, yet we were dismissed as if we are insignificant. We will not back down until our voices are heard. This struggle is for fair wages and respect.”

The shirtless protest was meant to symbolize their feeling of being abandoned and ignored by the administration.

Tensions heightened on Thursday when EMRI Green Health Services, which operates the 108 service, announced the termination of more than 500 employees involved in the protests.

The organization cited reasons such as 'failure to perform duties, insubordination, and participation in the ongoing strike' for the dismissals.

The termination letter stated, “It has been reported that you are not fulfilling your basic duties as per your appointment terms and have shown insubordination and disobedience towards management, causing significant disruption to services and inconvenience to the public in Assam.”

EMRI claimed that the strike has severely impacted ambulance services statewide, leading to public inconvenience and a serious breach of service regulations.

However, the workers contended that the termination notices were issued without prior warning. One protester remarked, “The government must heed our demands, and we are prepared to go to great lengths for this cause because if we cannot provide for ourselves, our children will suffer.”

The protest revolves around three primary demands: the regularization of nearly 3,000 workers, fair wages, and overtime pay.

The situation escalated after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Wednesday that the government would not engage in talks while the strike was ongoing.

He cautioned that employees who did not return to work risked being dismissed and that new hires would be made if necessary.

This warning came to fruition on Thursday, resulting in hundreds losing their jobs, a decision many workers deemed unethical and punitive, especially considering their contributions during critical emergencies.

Previously, EMRI had indicated that it was maintaining partial operations by utilizing temporary staff and reallocating resources across various districts.

The organization had urged the protesting workers to return to their duties 'for the sake of public welfare,' warning that a prolonged absence could hinder any chances of reinstatement once the vacant positions are filled.