Talks fail, nurses to continue stir

Nurses at Apollo and Fortis Malar Hospital plan to continue their strike for the sixth consecutive day on Wednesday as the talks with the management of the hospitals did not progress well.

They plan to gather near the Memorial Hall, George Town, on Wednesday in support of their demands, including salary hike and other work benefits.

The striking nurses did not report to work on Tuesday as well. During the talks held in the presence of Labour Department officials, the management of Madras Medical Mission had agreed to increase the monthly salary of the nurses by more than double to Rs.12,500.

However, the management of other hospitals did not agree to the demands of the nurses.

On Wednesday, nurses from Madras Medical Mission would also participate in the meeting in solidarity with other nurses.

The nurses began a strike from last week with demands, including a minimum salary of Rs.17,000 for a fresh entrant, two days off after night shift, better quality food and water and separate hostel for male nurses.