Himachal 108 and 102 Ambulance Employees Union on Two-Day Statewide Strike
Hundreds of employees working under the banner of the CITU-affiliated Himachal Pradesh 108 and 102 Ambulance Employees Union were on a two-day statewide strike to demand the implementation of labour laws and judicial orders, minimum wages, an end to employee harassment, and other demands. The strike lasted for 48 hours. During this period, ambulance services across the state were completely disrupted. During the strike, strong demonstrations were held on both days at all district headquarters across the state.
In addition to district headquarters, strong protests were held at the office of the National Health Mission’s Managing Director in Shimla and at the headquarters of the Medswan company in Dharampur, Solan. Hundreds of employees participated in these demonstrations. The union has warned that if the demands are not met soon, the union will move towards a decisive struggle. The union has cautioned that if employees are harassed, they will go on an even larger strike at the union’s call.
CITU State President Vijendra Mehra, General Secretary Prem Gautam, Union President Sunil Kumar, and General Secretary Balak Ram stated that hundreds of pilot, captain, and EMT employees working under the Medswan Foundation, which operates under the main employer National Health Mission, are victims of severe exploitation. The level of exploitation is such that these employees do not even receive the minimum wage declared by the government. These employees are made to work twelve-hour shifts but are not paid overtime wages. Despite orders from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Labour Court, CGM Court Shimla, and the Labour Office, the exploitation of these employees has persisted for several years.
When workers raise their voices through their union to resolve their demands, they are harassed mentally and through other means. Leading union employees are either transferred or mentally harassed and forced to resign from their jobs. Many employees are kept off duty for several months without any reason. They are threatened and intimidated. They are not given holidays as per rules. There are also major errors in the implementation of their EPF and ESI. Employees are being cheated of two thousand rupees every month by deducting both shares of EPF from them. Their basic salary within the total wage is also low. All other types of labour laws are also being grossly violated. Prior to Medswan Foundation, these employees were working with GVK EMRI. Upon termination or cessation of service from GVK EMRI company, these employees were not paid retrenchment compensation, gratuity, notice pay, and other types of arrears. Thus, these employees are severely exploited.
They have demanded that employees be paid the minimum wage as per government rules. For working twelve hours, double overtime wages should be paid as per rules. Employees should be provided all holidays as per rules. Employees’ salaries should not be cut during vehicle maintenance and insurance, and they should be paid their full salary. Orders from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Labour Court, CJM Court Shimla, and the Labour Department regarding minimum wage should be implemented immediately.
They said that by bypassing the provisions of the Trade Union Act 1926 and the Industrial Disputes Act 1947, union leaders are being harassed. When workers raise their voices through their union to resolve their demands, they are harassed mentally and through other means. Leading union employees are either transferred or mentally harassed and forced to resign from their jobs. Many employees are kept off duty for several months without any reason. They are threatened and intimidated. This should be stopped immediately, and employees’ rights under Article 19 and Article 21 of the Constitution should be protected. Their transfers should be cancelled immediately. There are major errors in the implementation of employees’ EPF and ESI. These should be rectified immediately. The basic salary of employees within the total wage is also low. This should be corrected.
Prior to Medswan Foundation, these employees were working with GVK EMRI. These employees should be given continuity of service and seniority benefits. The retrenchment compensation, gratuity, notice pay, and other benefits not paid to these employees upon termination or cessation of service after many years of service with GVK EMRI company should be paid immediately. The legal arrears of the lower wages paid to employees during their tenure with Medswan Foundation and GVK EMRI should be paid immediately. All types of laws should be implemented.
