Chennai: A threat by workers union of 108 ambulances, the emergency service of the government, of a strike on the eve of Deepavali is likely to inconvenience public. The 24-hour strike is slated to commence from 8 pm on October 28 to 8 pm on October 29 (Deepavali). Incidents due to firecrackers are likely to happen during Deepavali. GVK-EMRI, a Hyderabad-based company, under Tamil Nadu government runs the 108 ambulances in the state with more than 4,800 employees, including pilots, EMT and call centre operators. “Last year we announced a strike after which we were given Rs 5,300 as bonus. Even this year, we have announced for a hike in the existing bonus, but the management is not ready to talk with us,” said R. Rajendran, general secretary of the union.
With the government announcing 20 per cent bonus to profitable PSUs and 10 per cent bonus to PSUs, the workers union of 108 ambulances is demanding the basic 8.33 per cent bonus. “The union has notified the management regarding the strike 14 days beforehand as per the norms. We have already held talks and will meet them again to find an amicable solution. We have already announced incentives, but they are demanding more. A mutually acceptable solution will be found at the earliest,” the official said.
