Just as the political parties that steer them, labor unions failed to organize one program and instead held separate programs at separate places. [break]
Nepal Trade Union Congress-Independent (NTUC-I), which is close to the Nepali Congress (NC), organized a program at Shanti Batika, while All Nepal Revolutionary Trade Union Federation, affiliated to the CPN-Maoist, organized a separate program in Basantapur. Similarly, All Nepal Federation of Trade Unions, backed by the UCPN (Maoist), organized its program at Bhirkutimandap and General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), which is a labor wing of the CPN-UML, organized its program at Khulamanch.
A porter walks by a May Day rally at New Road. (Photo: Bijay Rai)
"A huge number of workers turned up to participate in the May Day celebrations, which is a very encouraging sign for us," shared Saligram Kafle, a labor leader of the CPN-Maoists.
Republica caught up with a few participants at the May Day rallies in Kathmandu to know what the May Day means to them and all Nepali laborers.
People´s perception about labors is changing
Uma Dahal, 38
Kathmandu
I have been working as a security guard for the last 19 years. I have observed many improvements in people´s attitude toward us in the recent years. In the past, some people treated us as if we were not humans. They loved their pets more than us. Gradually, their mentality is changing. They have started to respect us. I think this is the result of constant talks about labors´ rights. Celebrating May Day is important as it helps change people´s mindset about laborer.
Opportunity to value laborers
Arjun Shrestha, 42
Sano Thimi, Bhaktapur
We should feel good about our professions. Unfortunately, in our society, many people still looked down upon manual laborers. They simply overlook the contribution of laborers. Therefore, laborers feel humiliated. They find it very difficult to raise their voices. Celebration of International Labor´s Day gives us opportunity to understand and value laborers.
May Day raises labors´ issues
Shiva Ram Adhikari, 44
Kathmandu
Mere celebration of May Day cannot ensure the rights of laborers. But, it certainly helps raise their issues. In our country, taking to streets has become the only way to get things done. This makes the May Day celebration all the more important. Though I am not a member of any political party, I joined the May Day celebration to express my solidarity with laborers.
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