Kerala Nurses Demand Fair Wages in Indefinite Strike

The United Nurses Association in Kerala announced an indefinite strike, advocating for a monthly basic salary of Rs 40,000. While some small and medium hospitals agreed to a Rs 32,750 starting salary, major hospitals remain resistant. The UNA criticized the state government's recent salary hike to Rs 28,000.

Nurses in private hospitals across Kerala, represented by the United Nurses Association (UNA), are set to initiate an indefinite strike starting Monday. This move follows their demand for a basic salary increase to Rs 40,000 per month. The strike will target hospitals unwilling to meet their demands.

Negotiations have been fruitful to an extent, with seven private hospitals agreeing to the salary demands following a meeting with the All India Health Care Providers Association (AIHCPA). These hospitals will be exempt from the strike, according to UNA president Jasminsha's announcement on a Facebook Live session.

The UNA's agreement with these hospitals abolishes the practice of appointing trainee nurses and sets a starter salary at Rs 32,750, resulting in a salary hike of between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000 for current staff. However, major hospitals have shown reluctance to comply, and recent state government salary adjustments to Rs 28,000 have been rejected by the UNA.

(With inputs from agencies.)