108 ambulance staff to go on cease work from today

Bhubaneswar: Workers of 108 ambulance service will go on cease work for an indefinite period from Friday demanding fulfillment of their seven-point charter of demands.

On Thursday, the members of the emergency service had staged a protest at Lower PMG square demanding fulfillment of their demands.

The demands include payment of minimum guaranteed wages, 15 per cent annual increment and construction of rest houses for the employees.

On Wednesday, employees of the 108 ambulance service had staged protests wearing black badges in front of Collector’s offices in districts.

Following the strike, Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Chief Secretary AP Padhi discussed with the district collectors and SPs via videoconferencing possible measures to meet the situation that could arise out of the strike of the 108 ambulance services staff.

The minister and the chief secretary said they discussed alternative arrangements to be made during the 108 ambulance services staff strike.

They also hinted that if the need arises, the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) could be invoked during the strike.