Kerala Nurses Demand Fair Wages, Threaten Indefinite Strike

The United Nurses Association in Kerala has declared its stance against inadequate wages, demanding a minimum salary of Rs 40,000 for private hospital nurses. Despite the state government's recent decision to raise the salary to Rs 28,000, the association threatens an indefinite strike commencing March 9 if demands are not met.

The United Nurses Association (UNA) in Kerala has vowed not to back down from its demand for a basic salary of Rs 40,000 for nurses working in private hospitals. This announcement came as UNA President Jaminsha addressed a press conference, emphasizing their readiness to initiate a full strike should hospitals fail to comply with the wage demand.

Exceptions will be made for hospitals willing to offer the desired salary, while protests will continue at those refusing to meet these terms. UNA officials stressed the unchanged status of nurses' wages since 2018 and declared plans to initiate an indefinite strike starting March 9 for non-compliant facilities.

While acknowledging the political climate, the association ceased its protests against the state government, which recently proposed increasing the minimum salary to Rs 28,000. However, this proposal was firmly rejected by the UNA, which continues its campaign for fair compensation for nurses throughout Kerala.