Demanding fulfilment of their seven-point charter of demands, including better and timely pay, 108 Ambulance drivers, helpers and medical technicians have threatened to go on strike from Friday.
The fleet of around 420 vehicles, which provides free ambulance services across the State, would not move if the workers launch their agitation. Each 108 Ambulance has three staffers, a driver, a medical technician and a helper.
On the other hand, the authorities have warned that strict action would be initiated against those who cease work as the State Government has already invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on the 108 Ambulance workers on February 9.
“Ambulance workers’ demands are being looked into and there will be a discussion about it onMarch 2. Therefore, it will be very unfortunate if the ambulance workers go on strike,” said 108 Ambulance Project head Sabyasachi Biswal.
“Also if the employees go on strike then action can be taken against them as ESMA guidelines have already been enforced on them,” he added.
The Government has given a notification of enforcement of the ESMA, which stays in force six months from the date of its invocation, on the ambulance workers on February 9, according to officials sources.