Nurses' strike: High Court sets stage for settlement talks, orders no strike until Thursday

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ordered a mediation session to resolve the ongoing strike by nurses in private hospitals demanding a pay hike. Justice Mohammed Nias C.P. has directed that the talks be held through the Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Centre at the High Court. Representatives from the Kerala Private Hospitals Association (KPHA) and the United Nurses Association (UNA) are scheduled to appear before the mediator at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

As part of the interim order, the court directed the nurses’ association to defer their strike and ensure that members return to work until March 19, when the petitions are scheduled for further consideration. The court also instructed hospital managements to refrain from any retaliatory measures and to approach the mediation in good faith to reach an equitable resolution.

The court was considering petitions filed by the KPHA, which cited the disruption of emergency and intensive care services due to the strike. Previously, the court had directed the state government and the state police chief to ensure that hospital services remain unobstructed and that nurses willing to work can do so without intimidation or coercion. The state has been directed to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to maintain these services.