NewKerala.com

Kerala Nurses Protest for Fair Pay; Minister Says Hospitals Must Pay Up

Nurses in private hospitals across Kerala held a statewide protest demanding higher salaries and implementation of minimum wages. Labour Minister V Sivankutty stated that a government order from the Minimum Wages Committee, ensuring minimum wages for all private hospital staff, is expected imminently. He clarified that the legal responsibility for paying salaries lies with the hospital managements, not the government. In a separate issue, the minister also addressed complaints about garbage cleanup following the Attukal Pongala festival, stating an investigation is underway.

Key Points: Kerala Nurses Protest Low Wages, Minister Sivankutty Responds

  • Statewide nurse protest over low wages
  • Minimum wage order expected soon
  • Minister says hospitals responsible for pay
  • Protest led by United Nurses Association
  • Separate issue of festival waste cleanup addressed
2 min read

Kerala private hospital nurses stage statewide protest demanding salary increase; Minister Sivankutty says "hospitals responsible for wages"

Nurses in Kerala's private hospitals protest for salary hikes. Minister V Sivankutty states a government order on minimum wages is imminent and hospitals are responsible for payment.

"The government's stand is clear, that the managements must ensure the wages and benefits that workers are entitled to - Minister V Sivankutty"

Thiruvananthapuram Marc, h 6

,: Nurses working in private hospitals across Kerala have staged a state-wide protest against low wages on Friday, demanding the implementation of minimum wages.

Addressing the issue, Kerala Education and Labour Minister V Sivankutty stressed that the state government's Minimum Wages Committee has already taken a decision ensuring minimum wages for all employees in private hospitals, including nurses.

The government order is expected to be issued either on Friday or Saturday. While acknowledging the possibility that some hospital managements may challenge the decision in court, Sivankutty clarified that the responsibility to pay salaries and other benefits lies squarely with the hospital managements.

"The government's stand is clear, that the managements must ensure the wages and benefits that workers are entitled to," he said, urging compliance with the decision.

The protest has been called by the United Nurses Association (UNA), which has claimed that the nurses' salaries are not keeping up with the increasing living costs.

In a separate matter, Minister Sivankutty addressed concerns regarding waste management following the Attukal Pongala festival, after photos surfaced showing garbage piling up in public areas.

He noted that earlier arrangements for waste removal were reportedly functioning well, but citizens had sent continuous complaints about garbage accumulation this year.

The minister stated that he has directed the RDO to submit a detailed report to examine the situation, including whether there were any lapses or attempts to undermine previously agreed cleaning arrangements.

Sivankutty added that the Mayor had deployed around 3,000 additional workers to ensure swift cleaning after the festival and emphasised that the Chief Minister had personally held meetings to oversee the arrangements.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Minister Sivankutty is right to put the onus on hospital managements. They make crores in profits but cry poverty when it comes to staff salaries. Hope the courts don't delay this justice.
A
Aditi M
While I fully support the nurses' cause, mixing in the Pongala waste issue feels like the minister is deflecting. Both are important, but focus on one crisis at a time, sir. The garbage photos from Attukal are really shameful for our 'clean state' image.
K
Karthik V
My sister is a nurse in a private hospital in Kochi. The stories she tells about the workload vs. pay are heartbreaking. This protest was long overdue. UNA is doing the right thing.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this. The cost of living has skyrocketed everywhere. If the minimum wage order is issued this week, it will be a huge relief for so many families. Hope other states take note.
M
Manish T
The government creates a committee, passes an order, but then says it's the hospitals' responsibility. What about enforcement? Without strict penalties, private hospitals will find loopholes. The order alone is not enough.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50