Shimla: The ongoing strike by Himachal Pradesh’s 108 and 102 ambulance staff is intensifying across the state. Hundreds of employees, working under the banner of CITU, are on a five-day strike. On the third day, despite heavy rain, staff gathered outside the Secretariat in Chotta Shimla, continuing their protest. The strike has resulted in a complete disruption of ambulance services, affecting health care across the state.
Addressing the protestors, CITU state leaders—including President Vijendra Mehra, General Secretary Prem Gautam, Treasurer Jagat Ram, Vice President Sudesh Kumari, Union President Sunil Kumar, and General Secretary Balak Ram—alleged that hundreds of pilots, captains, and EMT staff working under the MedSwan Foundation for the National Health Mission are being exploited. Employees are not receiving the minimum government-mandated wages despite working 12-hour shifts, with no overtime payment. Previous High Court, Labour Court, and other judicial orders have failed to improve the situation.
Union leaders further alleged that employees raising demands are subjected to mental harassment, forced transfers, or pressure to resign. Many staff members have been kept off duty for months without justification. Irregularities also persist in the implementation of EPF and ESI, with both employee and employer contributions being deducted from salaries, causing financial losses.
The union has demanded that staff be provided minimum wages, double overtime, all entitled leave, and full salary as per regulations. They also urged immediate enforcement of court and labor department orders. Pending dues—including severance pay, gratuity, notice pay, and other arrears of employees formerly under GVK EMRI—must also be cleared immediately. The union has stated that the strike will continue until all demands are met.
