Ambulance Drivers Demand Salary Increase

“We have decided that there is no end to this anymore.” Ambulance drivers of the sixth division are organizing a protest. They are demanding a raise in their salaries and an increase in the number of vehicles. One of the drivers from the 6th division informed “Factinfo” that their salary is insufficient for living.

“We have told the management to address the issue. They have told us to wait, but how long should we wait? There’s no way to keep waiting. We work, we can’t have a second job, and with this work, we can’t even support our households. After working for 24 hours, I want to drive a taxi in the morning, but is that even possible? Why should I think about working elsewhere after working 24 hours?”

Vardro noted that he has been working for 4 years and his salary has never increased from 111,000 drams, instead, he has worked extra hours. “Those who can work are working, those who can’t are working fewer hours.”

The drivers reported that they have been on strike since 9:00 AM and have not received a call to meet and discuss the issue. “They disregard us entirely, who is interested in the fact that the ambulances have stopped? Who is serving us, who is managing us, we don’t know. Don’t they know that the calls have increased from 400 to 2400 and this administrative region is served by five vehicles? If there’s a need elsewhere, we go there too.”

The drivers indicated that they will continue the protest and are even prepared to withdraw from the system. “Our children want to eat too, we are the men of the house. Can you sustain a household with 100,000 drams? We can’t even cover the rent. After work, we go home exhausted until the next morning. This is not enough for us—one gets 80, another 50, and the one who endures receives 110,000,” said one of the drivers.