Shillong, Dec 6: The Meghalaya EMRI Workers Union (MEMRIWU) consisting of 108 paramedics and pilots of 108 emergency Ambulance services submitted to the GVK state head their various grievances and asked the management to address their demands within two weeks.

The Union, led by general secretary, Susan Lyngdoh and president, Roypar Raswai, and accompanied by TUR member Angela Rangad, submitted a consolidated charter of demands to the GVK state head in Meghalaya and highlighting their various grievances ranging from the need for increased salaries, leave, overtime, in conformity to labour laws and improvement in staffing and upgradation of vehicles and facilities such that they can better serve the public.

The Union members met the state head and handed over the demands reiterating that they have been in the frontline as first responders often dealing with life and death situations for members of the public, and that they want to give their best at all times.

“But for this to happen, we have to be workers whose working conditions are as per labour legislations and not be overworked and underpaid,” the Union said.

Stressing the need that their rights as workers should be upheld, the Union demanded better ambulances and equipment, and overall need for improved structures and infrastructure for the 108 emergency services in the state.

“We have given the management two weeks time to respond to the charter of demands,” Lyngdoh said.