They announced the shutdown to protest an agreement signed between three major trade unions in the country and employers´ associations.[break]
Representatives of ANTUF, NC-affiliated Nepal Trade Union Congress-Independent (NTUC-I) and UML affiliated General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) had signed 11-point deal with representatives of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) last week, declaring four-year industrial peace. Employers too had agreed to raise salary of workers and express commitment to implement programs for social security of workers.
Issuing a joint statement on Sunday, the two trade unions declared industrial shutdown from Monday. They also brought the operation of about 1,000 factories in the corridor to a grinding halt. On Friday, they had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the employers to revoke the agreement.
Meanwhile, workers affiliated with trade unions of Madhes-based parties on Sunday vandalized Shiva Shakti Compost Industry and National Polyplast Industry and manhandled workers. They have been waging protest against the employers, demanding cent percent rise in salary and increasing daily wage to Rs 450.
According to our Biratnagar correspondent Ajit Tiwari, the Madhes-based trade unions also tried to vandalize a garment factory owned by Surya Nepal and Bainkatesh Plywood.
´Respect the pact´
Meanwhile, three big trade unions, who had signed the deal with employers´ associations on Thursday, have urged all agitating trade unions to honor the deal as it ensures social security for workers.
Issuing a joint statement on Sunday, ANTUF, GEFONT and NTUC-I urged the dissenting trade unions not to misinterpret the agreement. They have also requested the government to immediately initiate the process of formulating social security act, social security fund and amending the Labor Act.
Related story
Chaos, united
-1200x560-1779450784.webp)
