Employees of the 108 ambulance service in Odisha have launched a statewide strike, citing unfair pay practices and job losses. They allege that they are not being paid equally for the same work, denied gratuity, and deprived of other promised benefits. The strike is seen as a response to long-standing grievances that have intensified with recent changes in management.
As part of their protest strategy, the employees have disabled GPS tracking systems in ambulances, although patient services continue to operate. This move has raised concerns about potential disruptions in emergency medical services across the state. The lack of GPS tracking could hinder efficient coordination during medical emergencies, adding to the gravity of the situation.
The agitation is gaining momentum in Angul district, where employees have pledged to escalate their protests. Workers claim that the new management overseeing the ambulance services has unfairly terminated 96 union leaders statewide. They also report experiencing pay reductions and being forced to work longer hours than stipulated.
Adding to the unrest, a special relief package announced by the previous state government has yet to be implemented. Employees argue that the unfulfilled promise has further exacerbated their financial difficulties. They demand the reinstatement of the terminated union leaders, equal pay for equal work, and the immediate release of the overdue relief package and gratuity.
The striking employees have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met. By keeping GPS systems offline, they aim to pressurise authorities to address their grievances while still providing patient services. As the agitation unfolds, concerns remain about its potential impact on emergency healthcare services in Odisha.
