'Despite doing 12-hour shifts, no overtime': Over 100 ambulance workers go on strike in Shimla

NEW DELHI: Ambulance workers in Himachal Pradesh have launched a 24-hour strike, protesting against poor working conditions and alleged wage violations. The strike, which began Tuesday night, involves hundreds of staff operating the 102 and 108 emergency services. They are affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), which has accused the Medswan Foundation—contracted under the National Health Mission (NHM)—of failing to pay minimum wages and ignoring labour regulations. Services were disrupted across the state until 8pm Wednesday, with large-scale demonstrations held in Shimla, Hamirpur and other districts. Workers marched with banners and CITU flags, raising slogans against the state government and health department. Union leaders say employees face intimidation and arbitrary suspensions, with some left off-duty for months without explanation. CITU’s state vice president, Samit Kumar, said, “Despite working 12-hour shifts, many are not being paid overtime. The Medswan Foundation is openly flouting labour laws.” He demanded immediate enforcement of court and government orders on minimum wages. The workers’ demands include:

A meeting with the NHM Managing Director and Medswan Foundation officials failed to yield any resolution. The union has warned that the protest will intensify if their demands remain unmet. Demonstrations also took place outside the NHM office and the company’s state headquarters.