KATHMADNU, August 9

The Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre on Sunday demanded labour-friendly constitution and formation of the Labour Commission.

At a joint press conference held by 12 trade unions affiliated to various political parties, they pressed for making the right to enforce strikes as one of the fundamental rights.

The Centre has insisted on formation of a National Labour Commission as a constitutional body and also demanded constitutional provision for workers’ representation in the elected bodies and at the policy-making level. The trade union further demanded giving franchise right to non-resident labourers.

Worker rights activists Bishwonath Pokharel pressed for government commitment to ensure social security for the working class in the new constitution and 10 per cent representation in state policy-making level.

Rights activist Ganesh Niraula said the new constitution should address the question of basic rights of workers.

The country has 1.8 million organised labourers while the Centre acts as their umbrella organisation.