Ambulance service staff strike work

Employees of national ambulance service 108 and 102 today struck work across the state demanding higher wages and reinstatement of employees facing termination of their jobs.

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United under the banner of Himachal Pradesh 108 and 102 Ambulance Employees Union, they took out a protest march at Dharampur and pressed for their demands. The employees observed a pen down strike since morning putting on hold all work. The absence of drivers inconvenienced patients who had to spend from their pocket to visit health institutions in emergency situations.

The employees are paid Rs 15,000 on cost to company basis. While employees allege they are denied facilities like leave and other benefits like provident fund and maternity leave, the company officials asserted that all benefits are paid as per their company policy.

The service is being operated from Dharampur by Medswan Foundation who had appealed to the employees not to hamper the emergency ambulance service. In a bid to ply the ambulances they sought support of the health department which provided staff besides the home guards to cope with the strike.