Nurses in Pathanamthitta to go on strike demanding higher pay

Pathanamthitta: Demanding a hike in minimum daily wage, the Nurses' Union decided to go on strike in Pathanamthitta. As part of the strike, the nurses held a protest march to the collectorate to warn the management.  

This came after the talks between the United Nurses Association and the Hospital Management Association failed as both could not reach a consensus. The United Nurses Association (UNA) officials and representatives of the hospital management held a discussion in the presence of the Labor Officer at the district office of Pathanamthitta demanding a minimum daily wage of Rs 1500, ending contractual appointments, and normalizing the patient-nurse ratio. The protesting nursing professionals pointed out that there is a scarcity of nursing staff in hospitals.  

Following this, the UNA office bearers went on a token strike last week and they held a march to the collectorate against the stubbornness of the management. The Collectorate March was inaugurated by UNA National President Jasmine Shah and National Secretary Sudeep MV delivered the keynote address. State President Shobi Joseph presided over the event, UNA State Secretary Rashmi Parameswaran, Joldin Francis, Divya ES, John Mukat Behanan, Abhiraj Unni, Ajay Viswambharan, Nidin Mon Sunny, and many other dignitaries and healthcare professionals spoke up supporting the nurses, reported Asianet News.  

UNA officials also stated that if the management does not agree to the conditions even after the indicative strike, they will go on a full strike from 15th to 17th May. The officials stated that getting paid Rs 1500 per day is the most reasonable. Legislating the patient-nurse ratio is a requirement of people rather than nurses, they added. The management is firing nurses and other healthcare workers according to their convenience by making contractual appointments. Contract employees are not entitled to any benefits. Officials said that UNA is demanding that the provision contract work should be terminated and the existing workers should be made permanent.  

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