Kerala Nurses' Union Announces Indefinite Strike Over Salary Dispute
Thiruvananthapuram: The United Nurses Association (UNA) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Kerala state government's draft notification proposing revised salaries for nurses and other staff at private hospitals. In response, UNA has announced an indefinite strike starting March 9, demanding a minimum salary of Rs 40,000, which significantly exceeds the government's proposed range.
Government Proposal and Union Demands
The draft notification outlines minimum salaries for various nursing positions, with staff nurses receiving between Rs 25,450 and Rs 30,880. UNA state secretary Jasmine Shah criticized this as a marginal increase of only around Rs 3,000 compared to the 2018 revision, labeling it inadequate. The union insists on a basic salary of Rs 40,000, arguing that it reflects the essential role and workload of healthcare professionals.
Shah detailed the proposed salary brackets:
- Nurse managers, directors, and officers: Rs 27,330 to Rs 33,080
- Nursing superintendents and matrons: Rs 27,170 to Rs 32,870
- Assistant nursing superintendents: Rs 26,770 to Rs 32,320
- Head nurses and clinical supervisors: Rs 26,690 to Rs 32,290
- Tutor nurses and clinical instructors: Rs 25,930 to Rs 31,380
- Staff nurses and ANM special grade: Rs 25,450 to Rs 30,800
- ANM grade-I and grade-II nurses: Rs 24,650 to Rs 29,850 and Rs 24,290 to Rs 29,390, respectively
Political Allegations and Counterclaims
Labour Minister V Sivankutty has termed the proposed strike as politically motivated, alleging Congress involvement. Shah rejected this, stating that the minister's comments are misleading and pointing out that leaders from CPM and other parties participated in UNA protests during the previous UDF government. Shah accused the state government of siding with private hospital managements by setting low salary limits to appease them.
Escalation of Protests and Demands
UNA plans to intensify protests in front of private hospitals from March 9, with strong agitation against managements that fail to provide the Rs 40,000 basic salary. Shah also demanded that private hospitals disclose their balance sheets and called for the government to standardize treatment charges across the sector to ensure transparency and fairness.
Shah noted that 13 private hospital managements have agreed to the Rs 40,000 salary, and hospitals meeting this demand will be exempted from protests once formal agreements are signed and salaries are credited. Additionally, UNA warned of legal action against hospitals employing nursing students during the strike, alleging exploitation.
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Kerala's healthcare sector, with nurses advocating for better wages amid rising living costs and demanding greater accountability from both government and private entities.
