108 Ambulance Workers Hold Hunger Strike Over Wage Concerns

108 ambulance services staff from across Tamil Nadu staged a one-day hunger strike in Coimbatore, bringing attention to long-standing demands related to salary, job security, and working conditions. The protest was held at Tatabad and saw participation from employees representing different roles within the emergency response system.

The workers stated that the protest was organised without disrupting emergency services. Ambulance operations continued across the state while staff members took turns participating in the hunger strike. The demonstration was led by the Tamil Nadu 108 Ambulance Workers Progressive Union, which represents employees working under the emergency medical response network.

The key concern raised during the protest was the reduction in the annual salary increase approved for 2025. According to the union, management has fixed the hike at 10 percent, which is lower than the 16 percent increase that had been followed in previous years. Workers said the reduction directly affects their livelihood, especially given the risks and responsibilities associated with emergency medical services.

108 Ambulance Staff Raise Demand for Government Takeover

108 ambulance employees also urged the Tamil Nadu government to take over the emergency service fully. They argued that direct government control would ensure better job security, fair wage revisions, and improved welfare measures for the workforce.

Union representatives said more than 7,000 families across the state depend on the 108 ambulance service for their livelihood. They stressed that despite serving for many years, employees remain under contractual management, which creates uncertainty about their future.

The state general secretary of the union stated that workers had previously secured a 16 percent wage increase after sustained protests. In 2019, the hike was reduced to 15 percent but later restored following demonstrations. The sudden reduction to 10 percent in 2025, they said, was implemented without proper discussion.

Employees believe government intervention is necessary to ensure consistent wage policies and protect workers from sudden changes in management decisions. They also demanded that salaries be released in a single payment each month instead of being split, which they said causes financial stress.

108 Ambulance Workforce Highlights Risk and Welfare Issues

108 ambulance workers highlighted the high-risk nature of their duties during the protest. They said they have been serving in emergency medical response roles for nearly two decades, often working under dangerous and stressful conditions.

The workers demanded an increase in accidental death compensation from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. They said current insurance coverage does not reflect the risks involved in responding to medical emergencies, accidents, and disaster situations.

Union members also pointed out that employees who suffer disabilities due to accidents while on duty are not provided alternative employment. They said this lack of job protection adds to the insecurity faced by the workforce.

Additional demands included privilege leave encashment and the implementation of an eight-hour duty schedule. Workers said extended working hours without proper rest affect their health and performance, which in turn impacts emergency response quality. Also Read: International Olympic Academy Praises India’s Vision for Olympic Movement, Explores Collaboration on Sports Education: 2026

The 108 ambulance service in Tamil Nadu operates as a free emergency response system in partnership with the state government. It is managed by EMRI Green Health Services and runs a fleet of more than 1,300 vehicles, including Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support, neonatal ambulances, and bike units.

Employees work under three main categories: Emergency Medical Technicians, pilots, and Emergency Response Officers. All three groups were represented in the hunger strike.

Union leaders said the protest was only the beginning of a larger movement. They confirmed that further demonstrations are planned in Chennai in February if their demands are not addressed.

Despite the protest, workers reiterated their commitment to public service. They said emergency care remains their priority and that future protests will also be organised without affecting ambulance operations.

Conclusion

The 108 ambulance hunger strike in Coimbatore has brought renewed focus on wage fairness and worker welfare in emergency services. As employees seek government intervention and long-term security, the coming weeks may determine how these demands are addressed at the state level.