Kerala nurses launch indefinite strike over pay hike, hit multiple districts

Thrissur: Nurses under the banner of the United Nurses’ Association (UNA) are set to launch an indefinite strike at several private hospitals across Kerala on Monday, as part of their ongoing protest demanding a significant pay hike. The strike is expected to disrupt the functioning of nearly 100 private hospitals across multiple districts.

Hospitals in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad are likely to witness disruptions in services as nurses continue their agitation.

Also Read:Kerala private hospital nurses stage strike, demand Rs 40,000 minimum salary

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that private hospital nurses across Kerala began a strike on Wednesday, demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 40,000, improved service conditions, and the implementation of various pending assurances without further delay.

UNA president Jasminsha said in a Facebook Live session that seven private hospitals had already agreed to the demands and signed an agreement following a meeting with the All India Health Care Providers Association (AIHCPA) on Sunday. These hospitals will be exempt from the strike, reports Mathrubhumi.

Amid the protests, 13 hospitals agreed to raise nurses' wages to Rs 40,000. These hospitals will be excluded from the strike, the UNA said, reports Onmanorama.

Under the agreements, the practice of appointing trainee nurses will be abolished, and the starting salary for nurses will be Rs 32,750. This will translate to a gross salary increase of Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 for existing staff in these hospitals. Jasminsha noted that while many small- and medium-sized hospitals are willing to negotiate, larger hospitals remain reluctant to meet the demands.

The Kerala government recently issued a notification proposing a significant wage hike for private hospital nurses and staff. Under the new recommendations, the minimum wage for private nurses will rise to Rs 25,450–Rs 28,000, while senior or higher-level nurses could earn up to Rs 33,080. Non-nursing staff, including attendants, security personnel, storekeepers, and sweepers, will receive a minimum monthly salary of Rs 23,650. The current basic pay for nurses has remained Rs 20,000 since 2018. Minister for Labour V Sivankutty stated that a draft notification detailing the new salary structure will be released on Saturday.

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