The prolonged agitation by nurses in Kerala's Kannur district has concluded following a landmark settlement with Koyili Hospital regarding wage revisions and service conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The 62-day strike by nurses across six private hospitals in Kannur has officially ended.
  • Koyili Hospital was the final institution to sign the settlement agreement.
  • Interim wage hikes ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹5,500 will be provided based on years of service.
  • Management has committed to no retaliatory actions against striking employees.

In a significant victory for healthcare workers, the 62-day strike organized by nurses in Kerala's Kannur district has come to an end. The agitation, which primarily concerned wage revisions and improved service conditions across six private hospitals, concluded on Thursday after the management of Koyili Hospital signed a formal settlement in the presence of the District Labour Officer.

Detailed Wage Restructuring

The settlement, facilitated by the Indian Nurses Association (INA), introduces a structured interim wage increase. For employees in hospitals with more than 100 beds, the increments are set at ₹2,500 for 1-5 years of service, ₹3,500 for 5-10 years, and ₹5,500 for 10-15 years. For smaller institutions with fewer than 100 beds, the relief amounts are scaled at ₹2,500, ₹3,500, and ₹5,000 respectively. This move aims to align private sector wages with the 2026 draft minimum wage notifications.

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Addressing Arrears and Professional Security

A crucial aspect of the agreement involves the settlement of long-standing dues. Employees who were not compensated according to the 2017 government order on minimum wages will receive revised payments. Furthermore, arrears stemming from the 2017 mandate will be disbursed in five monthly installments starting from August 30, 2026. Crucially, the management has guaranteed that no retaliatory measures will be taken against nurses for participating in the strike, ensuring their professional records and experience certificates remain untarnished.

Political Escalation and Resolution

The breakthrough followed intense pressure on Koyili Hospital management. As the final holdout, the hospital became a flashpoint for protests led by various youth and political organizations, including the Youth League and the All India Youth Federation (AIYF). The intervention and solidarity shown by Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph further intensified the calls for a swift resolution. The signing of the pact marks the restoration of normalcy in the district's private healthcare sector.