Demanding their work be restored to the earlier two-shift system, ambulance staff working under the ‘108-Arogya Kavacha’ scheme have threatened to go on strike from August 1 if the government does not consider it.
Addressing presspersons here on Friday, Paramashiva and Chandranna from the Karnataka State 108 Arogya Kavacha Employees’ Association, said that around 3,500 employees under the scheme had been forced to work with a salary reduction in an eight-hour three-shift system. “As per a Government Order, the previous 12-hour two-shift system was cancelled, and from January 1 this year, an eight-hour three-shift system was introduced, along with a salary reduction,” Mr. Chandranna said.
“Due to this change, staff working in the 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. shifts are facing difficulties as there is no proper transport facilities available during these hours. Moreover, citing reduced working hours, our salaries have been cut almost by half, which has led to financial difficulties,” he said.
Currently, 33% of the staff under the scheme are women. They, along with other staff working in rural areas, are particularly affected by the new three-shift system due to lack of transport. “We want the government to provide adequate transport and basic facilities for those in the 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. shifts to reach their workplace and get back home. We also want our salaries to be increased. If that is not possible, the previous two-shift system should be reinstated,” he said.
Published – July 25, 2025 09:02 pm IST
