SHILLONG: Meghalaya Government has prohibited strike called by the field staff of GVK EMRI which operates the 108 Emergency Services in the state.
A notification prohibiting the strike was issued here on Friday and the notification stated that the order would come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force for a period of six months
A statement issued by services also said that 108 Emergency Services which caters to medical, police and fire emergencies was brought under Meghalaya Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1980 ( as amended ) declaring the emergency services as “Essential Services” for the purpose of the said act through a notification issued on June 4, 2010
The statement added that in view of the recent media reports appearing with regards to strike notice by 108 field staff, the Government of Meghalaya has promulgated the Meghalaya Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1980 (as amended ) with immediate effect prohibiting strikes by the field staff of GVK EMRI.
“Any disruption of the 108 emergency response services will be dealt with in accordance to the Meghalaya Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1980 ( No23 of 1980) read as Meghalaya Essential Services Maintenance (Amendment) Act, 2003, the statement added
The statement also added that GVK EMRI state office has called several times for discussion and to update on the various grievances to the field staff but it did not materialize and the office also issued official letters to all the field staff.
“Section of employees reported for discussion and were appraised on the status of resolutions to various grievances and have understood the current status,” the statement said while adding that the services is open to discussions and working as a team with all employees to provide quality and safe emergency response services to the citizens of the state
It also stated that the state office have taken up proposals through number of meetings with government of Meghalaya at the level of Secretary , Additional Chief Secretary, Health Minister and Chief Minister for resolution of issues since the beginning of 2018 and the Chief Minister had assured to resolve the new wages and replacement of ambulances at the earliest in the last meeting held recently.
GVK EMRI Meghalaya also appealed to all field staff to call off the protests with immediate effect and work towards ensuring quality emergency services that is dedicated to the Mission of Saving lives.
