Unacceptable: Director of Ambulance Service on Drivers' Protest Action

This morning, ambulance drivers are holding a protest action in the parking lot. They are demanding a salary increase. According to the protesting drivers, they receive low wages and work under a heavy schedule, sometimes not even having time to eat. In addition, ambulance drivers demand a meeting with a representative of the city hall.

The director of the Ambulance Service, Takhuhy Stepanyan, commented on this issue in an interview with ArmLur.am: "It's not that these issues weren't under discussion, the salary increase for not only drivers but also medical staff has been considered, and work is being done on it. However, as far as we understand, no one's salary is going to increase by the end of the year, which is why they have decided to hold this protest today."

Our interlocutor assured that currently the Ambulance Service is operating normally. "Our work continues regularly, our citizens are being served and will be served, because it's not only these five vehicles that respond to calls, and the operations won't be disrupted; people will work. I find it unacceptable to resolve issues in this manner within a medical institution, operations will continue, and these issues will be addressed in the future. It’s not that no one understands or wishes to resolve issues positively. That does not depend on me; when the budget is approved, these matters will be discussed," noted the director of the Ambulance Service.

When asked by ArmLur.am about what the protesting drivers can expect, Takhuhy Stepanyan said, "I have not commented on that; what’s important for me is that our work isn’t disrupted, the drivers should think for themselves."