108 ambulance staff plan mass resignation over low and delayed salaries

BENGALURU: The 108 ambulance service in the state is likely to witness disruption as the staff are set to go for mass resignation in support of their various demands including salary delay and increase in work duration.

Ambulance drivers, staff nurses across the state have not got salary for two months. They claim that work duration has also increased and to protest against this, they are going for mass resignation. Any such move could disrupt 108 ambulance service in the state.

Earlier, appeals have been made in respective districts to the district deputy commissioners and district health officers about problem being faced by the ambulance staff. For staff working for about 10-15 years same salary is being given and even after many years, salary has not been increased. But, with no response, they are going for mass resignation.

“More that 3,500 EMT staff and pilots have submitted respresentations to the deputy commissioners, labour officials and DHOs regarding their problems, but there has been no response. Even after working for over 17 years, salaries are not being paid as per seniority. The staff are still being paid Rs 12,500-13,000 on the fourth of every month, but that too is not being paid on time. For two months now, the staff have not been paid salaries and along with that, from 2008 to 2024, the staff were being paid uniformly and not zone-wise. From 2025, they have categorised salaries zone-wise, but seniors are being paid just as much as juniors” said Paramashiva, vice-president of the 108 ambulance employees association.

“Also, the staff have to report for work at 6 am, 2 pm and 10 pm. In rural areas, it is difficult to report to work and get back home after work. In these days, of price rise, it has become difficult to carry on with day-to-day life. We request the government to intervene and ensure justice to us and our families. If our demands are not met, we will resign enmasse as the government will invoke ESMA if we strike work”, Paramashiva added.

More than 3,500 staff in state have decided to resign enmasse this week, and it remains to be seen how government will convince the staff. If higher officials of health department do not respond to staff’s problem, ambulance services may come to a halt across state.