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360 Jehangir hospital staffers still on strike in Pune
The protestors’ various demands include hike in salary as per the industry standards, free medicines for family members and increase in retirement age from 58 to 60 years.
The 360 class three and class four employees of city-based Jehangir Hospital continued their strike for the second day on Thursday. The protestors’ various demands include hike in salary as per the industry standards, free medicines for family members and increase in retirement age from 58 to 60 years.
Manisha Dhiwar, head of the workers’ union at the hospital, said, “We are also demanding leaves up to 63 days per year. Currently, the employees are allotted 58 days of leaves. We have also asked the management to change employment status from contract to permanent of the staff who have spent more than 10 years.”
According to Dhiwar, the hospital management has been ignoring their demands for 14 months and discussions have been inconclusive, forcing them to go on strike.
“The 360 employees on strike includes lab technicians, housekeeping staff and some nursing staff as well,” she said.
Meanwhile, the hospital authorities have taken up the case with the labour court. The protesting employees will not be taken back and an arrangement of additional staff has been made, said the hospital authority.
“The talks between the management of Jehangir hospital and the union body have failed. Hence, the matter is before the labour court,” said George Eapen, chief executive officer and director, Jehangir Hospital.
“We revised their terms and conditions at an affordable level. However, some of their demands are unreasonable. The union strike is illegal as the matter is before the labour court. The next hearing is on May 6 and during this interim period, the employees are not allowed to go on strike,” said Eapen, adding “the hospital is functioning as normal with the administration staff and other employees pitching in for patients’ care. There is no disruption whatsoever.”
