Daring the State Government’s threat to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) if they do not back off from agitation, employees of the 108 Emergency Ambulance on Friday launched their cease-work stir across the State.
Employees, including drivers, helpers and medical technicians, launched their strike at PMG Square in front of the State Assembly reiterating fulfilment of their seven-point charter of demands.
The demands include payment of minimum guaranteed wages, 15-per cent annual increment, construction of rest houses for the employees and eight-hour working schedule.
“We are working for 12 hours but being paid wages only for eight hours. The Government had issued a notification on July 4 last year regarding our demands. But nothing tangible has happened as yet. We demand that the Government intervene to resolve our problems,” said 108 Ambulance Employees’ Association (Organisation) secretary Manoj Kumar Sahu.
“We should be paid at least Rs9,000 instead of Rs6,000 (per month). We are also protesting the concerned company’s move to effect ‘payment as per gradation’ system,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Government appears to have toughened its stand on the strike with Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak hinting at invoking the ESMA anytime.
“The Government is well aware about their problems, which are under consideration. I appeal to them to call off the strike and resume work,” said Nayak, adding that the ESMA may be invoked if needed.