In a major escalation of an ongoing labour dispute, GVK-EMRI Green Health Services, the primary provider of ambulance services to the Assam government, terminated 500 employees on Thursday. The mass dismissal affects the crucial 108 emergency ambulance service, raising alarms about the impact on public healthcare.
Mass Termination Amidst Strike Action
The company issued termination letters to a wide range of staff, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs), drivers, and emergency response officers who work in call centres. Sidhartha Laskar, head of human resources for GVK-EMRI in Assam, stated that the action was taken in line with the "No Work – No Pay" policy and a continuation-of-service mandate.
This move comes after days of a strike by employees demanding better pay and job security. According to Pranjal Sarma, president of the All Assam 108 Mrityunjoy Employees’ Association, the termination is unlawful. Sarma claimed that a total of 700 staff members have been let go over the last three days. "We were just demanding a dignified salary as skilled labourers, an increment, and job security," Sarma explained, vowing to continue protests against the decision.
Management's Final Appeal and Service Disruption
On the same day as the terminations, the management issued a final appeal to all striking employees, urging them to resume duty by Friday. The company warned that those who failed to report back within the stipulated time would be replaced by newly recruited personnel.
Laskar expressed concern over the severe disruption to emergency medical services in Assam. "Despite numerous requests and continuous communication from the management, only around 150 employees have resumed duty so far, while the remaining have continued to stay away from work, severely disrupting emergency medical services to the people of Assam," he said.
Uncertain Future for Emergency Services
The standoff creates a significant crisis for the state's emergency healthcare infrastructure. The 108 ambulance service is a lifeline for many, and its large-scale disruption could have serious consequences. The union's allegation of unlawful termination sets the stage for a potential legal battle, while the immediate priority remains restoring full service capability to ensure public safety.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between contract workers in essential services and private service providers managing government contracts. The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for labour relations in India's critical public health sector.
