Kathmandu, April 7: The Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) has asserted that the Constitution of Nepal guarantees workers the right to form trade unions and thus stressed that rights must not be snatched away.
Speaking at a press conference held here today, the Union cited that the Article 34(3) of the Constitution explicitly guarantees workers the right to establish trade unions, participate in them as well as engage in collective bargaining.
Therefore, the Union, maintained that any attempt to abolish trade unions would be unconstitutional.
Union President Yogendra Kumar Kunwar remarked that although the 100-point reform programmes introduced by the incumbent government for effective governance is praiseworthy and positive, the decision mentioned in point no 12 proposing the abolition of trade unions is unacceptable to workers.
Kunwar further asserted, “We are not advocating for politically affiliated trade unions but we strongly object the decision to scrap trade unions.” “Our organization has consistently stood for an independent and professional trade union movement.”
Also speaking at the event, Ajay Kumar Rai, General-Secretary of the Union, argued that the government’s decision to abolish trade unions contradicts both the Constitution and ratified international conventions.
He shared that the international trade unions have also expressed concern over the move and extended solidarity to with Nepal’s labour movement. #nepal #rss
