Bengaluru: Protesting ambulance drivers and paramedics reported to duty wearing black badges and the services remained on road on Monday. But members of the Karnataka State 108 Arogya Kavacha Workers’ Association held a silent protest at Freedom Park on Monday, demanding the long pending salary hikes, overtime allowances and job security.
“Though we have discussed salary revision with the labour commissioner, nothing has been done yet and we are forced to launch the protest. But drivers are reporting to duty so that the needy are not affected,” said association state president Pandappa Parthi.
Health Minister U.T. Khader issued a warning that action would be taken against the association members if the strike continued. “The health ministry is ready to look into their demands if they call off the strike,” he said.
Officials of GVK EMRI, the private agency that runs the ambulance service, claimed that only a small number are taking part in the strike.
