With the State Government planning to frame new rules to control the emergency services of 104, the organization's employees, on Saturday, took out a rally from P Sundaraiah Park to Indira Park, demanding an assurance from authorities over the continuation of their jobs when the 104 call centre is handed over to Arogyasri.
Scores of employees from 104 participated in the rally, raising slogans against the state government.
104 Call Centre Contract Employee's Union (HMRI) president Syed Arif said that the Arogyasri Trust wants to replace 1,000 employees by taking up fresh recruitment. He lamented that employees who have over 5 years of experience in handling emergency services are being ignored as a result.
Asking the government to issue a clarification on these issues, he said that the union members would continue to protest against the decision of authorities to take up fresh recruitment, as well as other pending issues such as increase in wages, reducing their duty period and the replacement of old vehicles.
He alleged that the government had introduced 108 and 104 services during elections, solely for its campaign, and that it later neglected them.
However, the on-strike employees hope that the government takes a favourable decision on their issue. (INN)