Kurdistan group reports widespread labor violations against nurses in private healthcare

ERBIL, Iraq — A civil society organization operating in the Kurdistan Region released its sixth report documenting labor violations against nurses and staff in private healthcare facilities, based on a survey of 1,600 workers. Speaking at a press conference in Sulaymaniyah, Aran Civil Culture Development Organization President Hejar Baban said 49 percent of respondents work in private hospitals and 21 percent in private clinics. The report found that 16 percent of nurses are forced to work outside their professional scope, 75 percent are not covered by social security and 57 percent lack written employment contracts. The report also said 10 percent of workers were placed in unpaid trial periods lasting up to 90 days, while 39 percent worked overtime without pay. It recorded that 22 percent of nurses experienced violence from employers or patients' families, and 32 percent reported harassment or unwanted advances. Additional violations listed in the report include monthly wages starting at 150,000 dinars, 28-day continuous work cycles, use of employees' images in advertising without consent, and threats from employers. The organization called on the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Health and relevant authorities to step up inspections and protect nurses' rights.