3 hrs ago
Karnataka 108 Ambulance Drivers Set 15-Day Deadline Over Demands
Karnataka’s free 108 ambulance drivers say they have several problems at work.
They want fair and regularly reviewed salaries.
They also want ambulances to operate in three shifts and payments to arrive within seven days each month.
The drivers asked for rest rooms and higher compensation for families of drivers who die in accidents.
They gave the government 15 days to respond.
If their demands are not met, they said they may all resign together.
Minister U.T. Khader said the private company running the service must handle the workers’ concerns.
He warned that protests must not stop patients from getting emergency care.
Karnataka’s 108 ambulance drivers have given the government 15 days to address their demands.
The drivers threatened to collectively resign if their demands are not met.
Their demands include uniform salaries, annual pay reviews, three-shift deployment and timely monthly payments.
They also sought ₹50 lakh compensation for families of drivers who die in accidents.
Minister U.T. Khader said the operating company is responsible for employment issues and warned of strict action if protests affect patients.
- Who
- Karnataka’s 108 ambulance drivers, the private operating company and Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader.
- What
- Drivers issued a 15-day deadline and threatened collective resignation over salary, shifts, compensation and workplace demands.
- Where
- Karnataka, across the 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance network.
- When
- The deadline and warning were reported on Monday; the drivers allowed 15 days for action.
- Why
- The drivers are seeking improved pay structures, timely salaries, better shifts, rest facilities and increased accident-death compensation.
Ambulance Drivers
Government and Operating Company
Responsibility for demands
Ambulance Drivers
The drivers are pressing the government to address pay, staffing, shift and workplace concerns within 15 days.
Government and Operating Company
Khader said the private company engaged by the government manages employment-related matters and that drivers should discuss their concerns with it.
Salary and employment conditions
Ambulance Drivers
Drivers want uniform, seniority-based salaries, annual reviews, timely payment and pay aligned with Labour Department guidelines.
Government and Operating Company
The government said it would intervene if the company failed to pay a salary promised in writing when drivers were appointed.
Potential protest
Ambulance Drivers
Drivers threatened to collectively resign if their demands are not met within the deadline.
Government and Operating Company
Khader said protests themselves would not concern the government, but strict action would follow if patients or the public were affected.
Key facts
- Service
- 108 Arogya Kavacha, Karnataka’s free ambulance service for medical, trauma and accident emergencies.
- Ambulance fleet
- Approximately 711 to 715 ambulances operate in the network.
- Deadline
- Drivers gave the government 15 days to address their demands.
- Salary demands
- Annual salary reviews and hikes, uniform pay, seniority-based salaries and compliance with Labour Department guidelines.
- Workplace demands
- Three-shift deployment, revised shifts, rest rooms and salary credit within seven days of each month.
- Death compensation demand
- Drivers want compensation for families of deceased ambulance drivers increased to ₹50 lakh.
- Government position
- Minister U.T. Khader said the private company is responsible for vehicles, salaries, training, cleanliness, uniforms and other facilities.
Quotes
U.T. Khader
Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister
“We will not manage it. The company will provide the vehicles, salary, training, cleanliness, uniform and everything else. If the drivers have any issues, they have to sit with the company and discuss them. They can also bring the matter to our notice.”
thehansindia.com
“We are not bothered if the drivers sit for a dharna or protest. The company is accountable to us. But if the people and patients are affected, strict action will be initiated.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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