Himachal Pradesh Ambulance Workers Announce 48-Hour Strike

Ambulance Services Disruption in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla: Emergency ambulance services operating under the 108 and 102 networks in Himachal Pradesh are set to face interruptions as workers have declared a 48-hour strike commencing at 8 PM on December 25 and concluding at 8 PM on December 27.

The strike decision, made by the unions representing ambulance workers, is a response to what they perceive as ongoing neglect of their longstanding demands by the authorities, alongside claims of favoritism towards the service provider.

Concerns Over Pressure and Threats

Union leaders from the 108 and 102 Ambulance Employees’ Union, including president Sunil Kumar and secretary Balak Ram, have accused the administration of attempting to intimidate workers by threatening to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) of 1972, rather than addressing their issues.

They assert that despite numerous attempts to highlight concerns regarding working conditions and exploitation by the ambulance service provider, their grievances have been disregarded. “Instead of resolving our issues, we are facing pressure tactics,” the union leaders stated in a collective announcement.

Company and Administration Blame Game

Union representatives highlighted that while the government awarded the ambulance service contract to a private entity, officials tend to distance themselves when employees bring forth complaints.

“We are informed that we are not government employees. However, when it comes to defending the company, the same administration threatens us with ESMA,” the union claimed.

According to the workers, they have made multiple efforts to settle the issues amicably and have informed the administration about the alleged exploitation by the service provider, but no substantial action has been taken.

The union has emphasized that any disruption in ambulance services during the strike should not be attributed to the workers. “The responsibility lies with the policies of the company and the indifference of the administration,” the employees stated, urging the public for understanding and support during the protest.