Minister Bista bats for ‘equal pay for equal work’ for employees

Kathmandu, May 21

Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista has stressed on the need for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to play a productive role in enforcing ‘equal pay for equal work’ across the globe, including for migrant workers.

Speaking at a programme titled ‘Work for bright future’ held here today on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the ILO, Bista mentioned that the organisation could create a conducive environment wherein employers provide similar salaries and facilities to foreign workers that the local employees of the destination country receive.

“Nepali migrant workers do not receive the salaries and facilities that native workers of the destination countries get. There should be no disparity in salaries and facilities for the same jobs and same working hours, and the ILO must take concrete steps in this regard,” the minister said.

Pledging to provide the same salaries and facilities that Nepali nationals receive to foreign workers in Nepal, he made a commitment that there would be no discrimination between Nepali citizens and foreign nationals.

Speaking at the programme, Bhawani Rana, president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that the government needs to assure social security and justice for all types of workers. She further said that the private sector is ready to implement the government’s policy, provided that it is employer- and employee-friendly.

Tomoko Nishimoto, ILO’s assistant director general and regional director for Asia and the Pacific, said that every government needs to include workers from formal and informal sectors in social security schemes to ensure their bright future.

She further said that ILO is committed to addressing major issues and concerns regarding climate change and population change, among others.