India

On 6 April, the United Nurses Association (UNA) released an open letter to the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan that demands a fair resolution to the industrial dispute at KVM Hospital in Cherthala, Alappuzha. For more than 6 months, nurses from KVM have been on an indefinite strike demanding for statutory wages and better working conditions. UNA is the union representing the KVM nurses.

On April 3, members of the National Coordinating Committee of Engineers and Employees (NCCOEEE) are holding a massive rally 'March to Parliament' in Delhi against the passing of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2014, which would further privatise the electricity industry. See here an analysis of the bill.

On April 3, members of National Coordinating committee of Engineers and Employees (NCCOEEE) will take part in a massive non-violent sit-in protest in front of the Parliament against the passing of Electricity (Amendment) Bill, which will extend privatisation in the electricity distribution.

On 17 January 2018, in an enormous show of strength and determination close to 6 million community-based workers in health, education, nutrition and care services, 90% of them women, went on strike across India. But less than a month later, when the union budget was presented, their legitimate demands for decent work and quality public services were ignored.

On 20 July 2017, nurses from the southern Indian State of Kerala achieved an inspiring victory resulting in a substantial increase in wages. This was after a month long struggle, during which they stood resolute against all efforts by the private hospitals industry to break their will.

PSI affiliates and civil society organisations held a two-day workshop on 2-3 April on the proposed free trade agreement Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP).

On the occasion of World Health Day 2017, PSI released its publications series, Non-Standard Work in the Healthcare Sector in South Asia. The series of publications aimed at disseminating information on the challenges facing the health workforce in the region, both in the public and private sector.

After 14 years of struggle, 4,000 women health volunteers in Mumbai have been granted the status of municipal employees. They will now be covered for pension benefits and insurance.