Pokhara, May 1

Nepal Trade Union Congress Kaski held an interaction on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day, in Pokhara today.

Participants at the programme underscored the need of Industry Act and Social Security Act to retain skilled manpower in the country. Nepal Trade Union Congress Province 4 In-charge Murari Sharma said a commission to work for the welfare of workers was needed to ensure their rights.

“Hundreds of youths are compelled to go abroad for employment every year as their labour is not valued within the country. Even the minimum salary fixed by the government is negligible,” said Sharma. The government has fixed Rs 9,700 as minimum pay scale for labourers.

Another workers’ leader Chinu Gurung said hundreds of youths aspiring for foreign employment could be encouraged to stay in the country if they were provided lucrative salary and perks.

Kiran Babu Regmi, Nepal Transportation Workers’ Union Province No 4 Coordinator, said the government had failed to implement minimum salary demanded by the workers. He urged the concerned authority to draft policies in favour of labour.

Meanwhile, participants at another programme organised in Gaighat of Udaypur on the occasion of May Day argued that labourers were suffering at the hands of their union leaders. They urged the government to be serious towards labourers’ rights.

The participants said lack of respect, exploitation at workplace, discrimination among workers, among others, were major problems facing labourers. Political leaders at the function pledged their support to maintain workers’ dignity and lucrative pay scale.