Workers Demand Timely Salaries
Coimbatore: Protests broke out at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on Saturday as temporary contract staff employed in housekeeping and security demanded the timely disbursal of their salaries.
The workers, hired through the private agency Krystal Group, gathered outside the dean’s office to voice their grievances. They cited repeated delays in salary payments over the past three months, causing financial strain for families relying on their monthly income.
Contract Staff and Salary Details
Currently, 707 contract workers are deployed at CMCH:
- Housekeeping and patient care: 558 staff, Rs 19,700/month
- Security: 125 staff
- Supervisory roles: remaining staff, Rs 19,100/month
A housekeeping staff member told TNIE, “Normally, we receive our salaries during the first week of each month. Recently, however, the employer has been delaying payments, which affects our livelihood.”
Resolution and Reasons for Delay
Officials from CMCH and representatives of Krystal Group met with the protesting workers. The staff returned to duty after being assured that pending salaries would be credited within a day.
Sources indicated that the delays were due to server-related issues at the company headquarters and slow bill clearance by the Directorate of Medical Education.
Steps to Improve Patient Care and Staff Discipline
CMCH authorities have intensified efforts to enhance patient care and maintain discipline among contract staff after complaints of bribery surfaced.
- Over the past two months, seven workers were terminated over bribery allegations, and investigations are ongoing against five others.
- Workers have been strictly warned against demanding bribes from patients.
- Additional wheelchairs and stretchers have been allocated to outpatient wards and the super-specialty block.
- Supervisors are directed to ensure staff assist patients during outpatient hours.
A senior CMCH official stated, “Anyone found engaging in bribery will be terminated immediately. Staff must assist patients in a timely and professional manner.”
