Kerala Nurses to Go on Indefinite Strike, Prepare for Long March
Image for representational purpose, courtesy: United Nurses' Association
Since the talks between the United Nurses’ Association (UNA) representatives and labour commissioner about the delay in the wage revision of nurses in Kerala have failed, the nurses working in the private hospitals across the state will take to the streets, and will strike indefinitely from April 24.
“Though the government had assured, on July 20, 2017, that they would declare the final order regarding wage revision before March 31, 2018, hospital managements have moved to the Kerala High Court and have secured a stay in this issue. Later, the court had revoked the stay, as they were convinced about the issues of the nurses all across the state. Following this, we were assured that the government would declare the final notification on wage revision by April 10,” said Jasminsha, president of UNA, while addressing the reporters.
“Again on April 10, we have submitted a reminder notice saying that the private hospital nurses would go on strike from April 24. But, till date, no final notification has been issued. So, April 24 onwards, all the nurses working in the private hospitals, will strike indefinitely,” he added.
The protesters are also planning to go on a long march from Cherthala KVM hospital to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram to highlight their struggle. Nurses’ protest has been continuing for last 243 days at KVM hospital for the demands like minimum wage and implementation of the shift system. According to the current plan, a distance of 168 km from Cherthala to Thiruvananthapuram will be covered in eight days, UNA officials said.
As per the recommendations of the expert committee, which had been set up by the state government, the government had issued the draft proposal for the revision of minimum wages on November 16, 2017. The minimum salaries, which were decided earlier ranged from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 32,960. The proposed salaries would depend on the number of beds in the respective hospitals.
The government had decided to release the final wage notification, while the Kerala Private Hospital Association (KPHA) moved to High Court saying that the final notification should not be released soon, as the proposed wages were too high and bagged a stay. However, on April 3, the court had disposed the petition filed by KPHA. In the petition, KPHA had alleged that the government has been trying to raise minimum wages by 150 percent.
The UNA officials also said that they are not ready for any further negotiation talks, and they would be on strike until their demands are met.
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