AP Ambulance Staff On Strike Against Work Hours, Salary Dues

Demanding 8-hour work schedule and clearance of unpaid salaries, the ambulance staff in Andhra Pradesh called for a strike in Eluru of West Godavari district. The staff on Wednesday met ambulance union leaders and the contract agencies to pour out their woes to them. Even the union leaders held a discussion with the contract agency Bharat Vikas Group but failed to arrive at a consensus. After the contract agency rejected their demands, the staff switched off their mobiles and also informed the other union leaders across the state to strike work.

After a call given by the state union leaders, around 2000 ambulance workeres, including medical technicians throughout the state switched off their mobiles around 4 pm on Wednesday. They also made it clear that they would work only for 8 hours as per the labour act.

It is also learnt that the contract group threatened action against the staff under Essential Service Maintenance (ESMA) act.

The ambulance staff was recruited in 2004 after the launch of 108 ambulance service in Andhra Pradesh. The contract agencies like GVK, GMR, EMRI had been maintaining the services throughout the state. Later, the responsibility of the staff was given to Bharat Vikas Group by the state government in January. Since the group took charge, the ambulance workers have not been paid their salaries.