Amala Institute Nurses End 113-Day Strike After Labour Department Mediation
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TL;DR
- Amala Institute nurses ended a 113-day strike after mediation by the Labour department.
- The settlement's salary increase remains disputed between the union and hospital management.
- Nurses will rejoin based on available vacancies; over 200 new staff were hired during the strike.
- Discussions continue regarding a similar strike at Jubilee Mission Hospital.
Overview
On July 7, 2026, nurses at the Amala Institute of Medical Sciences in Thrissur, Kerala, ended a 113-day strike after the District Labour Officer mediated talks between the hospital management and the United Nurses Association (UNA). The resolution followed drawn-out negotiations concerning wage increases and working conditions, though both sides interpret the settlement differently with regard to pay.
What Happened
The nurses' strike at Amala Institute of Medical Sciences started over demands for higher wages and improved conditions. Mediation led by the District Labour Officer resulted in both the hospital management and the United Nurses Association agreeing to settle the dispute and restore a normal working environment.
The union announced that the settlement included an assurance of a salary increase between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000, and that any government-notified revised minimum wages would be made retroactive. However, the hospital management disputed this interpretation, stating that no new salary decision was made beyond the increment already effective since April 1, 2026.
The management further noted that the returning nurses could only fill vacancies remaining after recruitment of over 200 new staff during the strike. The question of reinstating all striking nurses remains unresolved.
Parallel negotiations are ongoing regarding a strike at Jubilee Mission Hospital, which has yet to reach a similar conclusion.
Context
The strike, which lasted 113 days, significantly affected hospital operations, with nurses from even critical departments joining the agitation. In response, the hospital hired new staff to maintain essential services.
The UNA has played a prominent role in organizing nursing staff for wage and working condition improvements across several institutions in Kerala.
Why It Matters
- This development shows the role of government mediation in resolving prolonged labor disputes in the healthcare sector.
- The case highlights ongoing tensions over wage agreements and the challenges faced by returning employees after strikes, especially when temporary staff have been recruited to address service gaps.