Kerala HC lifts restraints imposed on striking nurses, hospital managements

Kochi: High court has modified its earlier interim order by lifting the restrictions imposed on both the nurses' association and private hospital managements from taking coercive steps against each other in connection with the ongoing dispute.A bench of Justice Harisankar V Menon issued the order modifying its earlier interim order dated March 13, while considering petitions by the Kerala Private Hospital Association (KPHA) challenging the ongoing strike by nurses demanding a hike in the minimum monthly salary.The modification permits private hospital managements to proceed in accordance with law by initiating appropriate disciplinary proceedings against the striking nurses. HC further observed that, in light of the modified order, the nurses' association would be entitled to continue the strike, if so advised.During the hearing on Friday, KPHA's counsel submitted that, despite the order dated March 13, members of the United Nurses' Association (UNA) were continuing the strike in at least two hospitals even as of that date. UNA's counsel submitted that, if any modification was to be made to the earlier interdiction, the restriction on the nurses' association from continuing the strike should also be lifted.Noting that attempts at mediation had failed, HC observed that, prima facie, the private hospital managements were justified in contending that they should be permitted to proceed in accordance with law by initiating appropriate disciplinary proceedings against striking nurses. Accordingly, HC lifted the restrictions imposed on both parties from taking coercive steps against each other.