The 108 setrvice of Assam will come to a stop tonight as Nearly 3,000 staff of GVK EMRI in Assam will go on an indefinite strike from Tuesday night over their various grievances, mostly related to salary and perks, in what may paralyse the emergency medical response system in the State.
The employees say the company has stopped their increment and privilege leave facility since 2016. There has been no wage revision and staff of the ERO (emergency response office) has been forced to work for 12 hours in a day.
The employees also alleged that despite being certified by the Labour Commissioner, the service rules have not been implemented by the company. "Despite giving several representations to the Labour Commissioner and NHM, no action has been taken against the company," they said.
There are 200 staff who work in the ERO call centres, 1,800 staff who operate the 340 ambulances under the 108 service and nearly 1,000 employees under the 102 service which has 120 vehicles.
A health department official said the matter was an internal issue of the company, and the government has not interfered as yet.
"However, we are in touch with the GVK EMRI and reviewing the situation. The government has been doing what has been agreed upon with the company. It is for the company to take care of the HR issues. It must follow the industry rules," the official said.
