Trade unions, employers welcome Labour Bill

Kathmandu, August 17

Welcoming the Labour Bill, which was endorsed by the Legislature-Parliament last week, both employers and trade unions have said that its effective implementation will help establish a cordial labour relationship in every workplace and the entire nation.

Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today, trade unions and employers believed that the new labour law has created a win-win situation for both parties and will prove to be a milestone in improving the labour environment in the country.

“The new Labour Act has addressed the concerns of both workers and employers. As the law has ensured social security for workers based on work evaluation and issues related to workplace security and accidents, workers can now work without any fear,” said Bishnu Rimal, president of General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).

However, Rimal said that the government should timely bring guidelines of the act to ensure that provisions incorporated by the Labour Act are enforced properly.

Similarly, Khila Nath Dahal, president of Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC), said that the Labour Act is inclusive and has tried to address workplace problems of employees of small industries to large scale industries regardless of any sector. Informing that the provision of labour market inspection in the Labour Law is one of the many worker-friendly provisions in the new law, Dahal said, “The government should monitor workplaces regularly to ensure that the new Labour Law is implemented properly.”

On the occasion, Country Director of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Richard Howard praised the enactment of the Labour Law that has incorporated the suggestions of both employers and employees. “The enactment of this labour-friendly law will be instrumental to create more jobs in Nepal for which the country is desperate as employment generation is necessary to take a leap forward in economic growth,” he said. He also assured that ILO is committed to assist Nepal to provide required technical and financial support for labour friendly market and job creation.

FNCCI President Bhawani Rana said that endorsement of the Labour Act will be crucial for Nepal to sustain and enhance the current positive indicators of the national economy.

Similarly, Shekhar Golchha, senior vice-president of FNCCI, said that the Labour Act has addressed employers’ concern of labour flexibility and employees’ concern of social security.