UNA-led protest may disrupt services in nearly 100 hospitals as nurses push for Rs 40,000 minimum monthly salary
Thrissur: Nurses working in private hospitals across Kerala under the banner of the United Nurses’ Association (UNA) have announced an indefinite strike starting Monday, intensifying their ongoing protest over salary revision and improved working conditions.
The strike is expected to disrupt services in nearly 100 private hospitals across multiple districts, including Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.
Nurses Demand Rs 40,000 Minimum Salary
The agitation began last week, with the association highlighting that nurses’ salaries in private hospitals have remained largely unchanged since 2018. According to UNA leaders, the current pay is no longer sufficient given the rising cost of living.
The association has demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 40,000 for nurses, along with improved service conditions and the immediate implementation of previously promised reforms.
Some Hospitals Agree to Salary Revision
UNA president Jasminsha said during a Facebook Live session that seven private hospitals had already agreed to the nurses’ demands and signed agreements following discussions with the All India Health Care Providers Association (AIHCPA).
These hospitals will be exempt from the strike.
Additionally, 13 hospitals have reportedly agreed to raise nurses’ salaries to Rs 40,000, and they too will not be part of the agitation.
Agreements Include Better Pay and End to Trainee Nurse System
Under the agreements reached so far, the practice of appointing trainee nurses will be abolished. The starting salary for nurses will be fixed at Rs 32,750.
This change is expected to increase the gross monthly salary of existing nurses by Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 in those hospitals that have signed the agreement.
According to UNA leaders, while many small and medium-sized hospitals have shown willingness to negotiate, several large hospitals are still reluctant to meet the demands.
Kerala Government Proposes Wage Hike
Meanwhile, the Kerala Government recently issued a notification proposing a significant revision of wages for private hospital nurses and other staff.
Under the proposed structure, the minimum salary for private nurses could increase to between Rs 25,450 and Rs 28,000, while senior nurses may earn up to Rs 33,080.
The notification also proposes a minimum salary of Rs 23,650 for non-nursing staff such as attendants, security personnel, storekeepers and sweepers.
Draft Salary Notification to Be Released
V Sivankutty, the state Labour Minister, stated that a draft notification outlining the revised salary structure would be released soon.
Currently, the basic salary for private hospital nurses in the state has remained at Rs 20,000 since 2018, a key issue that triggered the present agitation.
With negotiations still ongoing, healthcare services in several private hospitals across Kerala are likely to be affected if the strike continues indefinitely.
