Kerala Nurses Strike: Demand Rs 40,000 Minimum Wage, Allege Unimplemented Hikes

• Private hospital nurses in Kerala, led by United Nurses Association (UNA), began a strike demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 40,000.
• Protesters also seek immediate implementation of various pending assurances and a clear wage system as per Nursing Council regulations.
• Nurses allege their salary was last revised in 2018, and a government-ordered hike in 2023 remains unimplemented, leading to "pathetic" conditions.
• The low wages are causing a "brain-drain," with qualified nurses moving abroad for better pay and living conditions.
• The strike is expected to affect private hospital functioning but will not impact emergency services.