IMPHAL, Nov 20 (NNN): Nurses in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal have decided to don black badges from yesterday till November 23 in view of their demand for revised pay scale and for looking into other grievances.
Briefing media persons here at the meeting hall of the RIMS Nurses Association (RNAL), this afternoon, Secretary of RNAL, H Tampha Devi said that the indefinite cease-work strike would follow suit soon from November 24, if RIMS authority failed to heed their wearing of black badges till November 23 next.
The nurses are demanding fixation of pay in the revised pay structure of employees appointed as fresh recruits on or after January 1, 2006.
According to Tampha, current recruits are not allowed the entry pay band scale of ROP 2008 which fresh recruits of the year 2009 and 2011 are enjoying.
Presently, the 2012 batch staffs are put in the category of the old pay band scale which creates a wide gulf of differences in their pay structure.
The hospital is also facing acute shortage of staff nurses as posts of 66 staff nurses posts are lying vacant due to either promotion or retirement.
The charter of demands made by the association includes availability of vehicle shed and a separate office for the association. The charter of demands made earlier to the Deputy Director (in charge) has not been responded resulting in the present agitation, she said.