Marking the largest industrial action in the healthcare sector since the pandemic, thousands of private hospital nurses in Kerala went on strike on Monday, demanding fair wages and better working conditions. The protesters, led by the United Nurses Association (UNA), are seeking a minimum monthly salary of ₹40,000 to match the rising cost of living and to end exploitative contractual practices. While a few hospitals have reportedly agreed to salary hikes ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000, many others have refused to negotiate, leading to a significant disruption of services across 1,500 private hospitals. The UNA highlighted a stark pay disparity, noting that while government nurses earn approximately ₹60,000, their private-sector counterparts often receive less than ₹20,000. Despite a 2018 revision and a 2023 committee, nurses claim no substantial progress has been made, forcing them back into a state-wide agitation. (TNIE & PTI)
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