Murali wants ESMA invoked to stop ambulance workers strike
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has requested the invocation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent a planned 24-hour strike by ambulance workers. The government argues that the strike, stemming from a bonus dispute, threatens critical emergency health services and patient safety.
Why it matters
Highlights the tension between labor rights and the maintenance of essential public health infrastructure during industrial disputes.
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has written to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for invoking the provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent strikes that “disrupt” the functioning of 108 ambulance services in the State.
The Health department move comes in the wake of the ambulance workers’ union announcing a 24-hour strike from September 17.
The government had decided to take stringent action as protests every now and then by various organisations were putting patients to hardship, a statement quoting Mr. Muraleedharan said on Saturday.
In the letter, Mr. Muraleedharan has sought steps to prevent strikes and ensure smooth operation of ambulance services.
The Kerala State 108 Ambulance Employees Union has announced the strike from 8 a.m. on September 17 to 8 a.m. on September 18 in connection with a dispute over bonuses for the 2025-26 year.
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