Strike by ambulance service employees enters 2nd day

The indefinite strike called by employees of the 108 ambulance service in Rajasthan demanding hike in salary entered the second day today.

Ambulance services employees in state capital went on strike yesterday on 15-point demands and more employees from across the state have joined the stir.

The strike comes at a time when state government, through a notification on March 16, had declared the 108 emergency service, 104 Janani Express and base ambulances as essential services under the Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenance Act (RESMA), 1970.

"Nearly 6,000 ambulance services employees in the state have joined the strike. Employees have not got any salary increment for the last five years whereas there is a 10 per cent increment clause in the contract. We have been raising the issue for long but of no avail," president of Rajasthan Emergency Ambulance Employees Union Virendra Singh said.

He said the employees will continue to remain to strike till their demands are met.

Considering the gravity of the situation, state Health minister Kalicharan Saraf has convened a meeting with the health department staff and emergency service provider company to end the deadlock and make alternate arrangements.