Kathmandu, February 26:

The second general convention of the Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Union (DECONT) is to take place from February 28 to March 2 at the Birendra International Convention Centre, Kathmandu. DECONT, which was established eight years ago, has 22 national labour associations as it members.

DECONT president Rajendra Bahadur Raut said three pre-congress sessions would be held prior to the convention to discuss the issues to be recommended to the main convention, that includes a three-year action plan of the DECONT and other gender-related issues, particularly the issue of women in unorganised labour sector.

“The labour sector has been affected the most by the decade-long insurgency. The King’s February 1, 2005 takeover has only worsened the situation,” said a DECONT press statement issued here today.

DECONT also flayed the government for preparing to introduce the Labour Act amendment ordinance. Raut said the ordinance would curtail the labourers’ rights. The proposed fiat gives office management the leeway in hiring and firing office employees, and allows recruitment of foreigners in firms with foreign direct investment.