Struggling for Dignity: Assam Ambulance Workers Demand Fair Wages and Better Working Conditions

In the heart of Assam, a group of workers has taken to the streets, voicing their frustration over long-standing issues that continue to plague their working conditions. The protest, led by All Assam 108 Mrityunjoy workers, was held at Chachal, where the workers gathered to bring attention to the difficulties they have faced for years. These workers, the backbone of Assam’s emergency medical services, are now demanding change after years of unmet demands. Despite their critical role in ensuring the well-being of the state’s residents, the workers’ grievances regarding low wages, excessive work hours, and inadequate job security have gone unheard for too long.

For years, these workers have dealt with insufficient pay and conditions that have steadily deteriorated. Their protest is not just about better wages but also about a better, safer, and more productive workplace that respects their rights and acknowledges their contributions. “We are the first line of defense when people need us the most, yet our needs go unaddressed,” said Pranjal Sharma, Union President of the All Assam Ambulance Workers’ Union. The protest has become a platform to express dissatisfaction not only with wages but with the very systems that manage emergency healthcare in Assam.

Low Wages and Endless Work Hours: The Reality on the Ground

One of the key issues that the protesting ambulance workers have highlighted is their incredibly low wages. These workers, who risk their lives daily to provide emergency medical services, earn far below what they deserve. Despite the critical nature of their job, they claim that their compensation does not reflect the hard work they put in, with some even working over the legally mandated 12-hour shifts without additional pay. According to labor laws in India, employees are entitled to eight-hour workdays, but the ambulance workers are routinely forced to work extended hours without any extra compensation.

The workers claim that these long hours and low pay have caused a significant amount of stress and burnout among them, leaving them feeling undervalued and overworked. The excessive hours mean that not only do they have little time for themselves, but they also struggle to provide quality service to the people who need them. “On the day we take our week off, the needy remain deprived of the service. The service should run 24/7, but poor staff strength leads to the service being available for only one shift at several locations,” explained Sharma.

Lack of Job Security and Delayed Payments

The workers also allege that their job security is uncertain and they face regular delays in salary payments. Many of them report that the irregularity in payments creates financial instability and adds to the stress of an already taxing job. The managing organization, GVK EMRI, has been accused of neglecting the welfare of the ambulance staff and failing to meet basic requirements such as timely salary payments. As a result, workers are often left without a steady income, further exacerbating their financial hardships.

Another major concern raised by the workers is the lack of job security. Despite being on the front lines of emergency medical care, many workers do not have long-term contracts or assurances of continued employment. This uncertainty creates a sense of insecurity, where workers are unsure of their future and are often subjected to poor working conditions without the promise of improvement.

Inadequate Equipment and Maintenance: A Direct Threat to Service Quality

Beyond the issues with wages and work conditions, another significant concern raised by the protestors is the inadequate resources provided for ambulance services. The workers allege that the funds allocated for the maintenance of ambulances, fuel, and other essential services are insufficient, leading to a decrease in the quality of the service provided. Many ambulances are reported to be in poor condition, which compromises their ability to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.

“Due to inadequate workers in the service, both people and existing employees have to face the brunt,” said Union Secretary Asif Hussain. He further added that poor maintenance and insufficient fuel funding lead to delays in response times, which can have life-threatening consequences. These logistical challenges, combined with overworked staff and underpaid employees, paint a grim picture of the current state of emergency healthcare services in Assam.

The Call for Reform: Addressing the Needs of Ambulance Workers

The workers’ demands are clear: increase the number of workers, raise wages, ensure job security, and provide better working conditions. The current workforce consists of only 2000–3000 employees, which the workers believe is grossly insufficient to handle the healthcare needs of the state. The workers are calling for a more robust workforce, including the addition of two more staff members per ambulance.

Each ambulance should have six staff members, they argue, with three Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and three pilots. This adjustment would not only reduce the workload but would also ensure that medical emergencies are handled more efficiently. Moreover, these workers are asking for better wages that reflect the importance of their work and the level of responsibility they carry. They also demand job security and regularization of their employment to ensure they can continue to serve the public without the fear of job loss or financial instability.

What’s Next for Assam Ambulance Workers?

The protest in Chachal is just the beginning of what is expected to be a long battle for better working conditions. The workers are calling on the government and GVK EMRI to address their grievances and work with them to find a solution. For the past 12 years, the workers have voiced their concerns, but little progress has been made. This time, however, they are determined to push for change.

As the workers continue their fight for fair wages, better working hours, and a more secure workplace, it’s crucial for the state government and management to listen and act. These ambulance workers provide an essential service, often at great personal risk, and they deserve to be treated with the dignity and respect that their work demands. Only by addressing their grievances can the quality of emergency services in Assam be improved, ensuring that they can continue to save lives without sacrificing their own well-being.