For the first time, nine trade unions in the country jointly marked the 118th International Labour Day yesterday. However, the trade union affiliated to the CPN-Maoist observed the day separately. The most popular slogan of the day is “Workers of the World, Unite”. The trade unions issued a 14-point declaration, including calls for workers’ representation in state restructuring, their participation at various levels, and timely review of wages. The government, too, declared May Day a public holiday this year. It is a good thing that various trade unions came together for the occasion, as it demonstrates solidarity and reconciliation. According to Maoist trade union leaders, they decided to go it alone because the other trade union leaders “neither displayed an outlook of forward movement nor emphasised the interests of the workers”. The Maoist-aligned trade union’s slogan stresses the need for a “resistance movement against” those forces who are “conspiring” against the constituent assembly elections.

Nepali workers, like many other sectors of society, need to be on the alert against any ncroachment on their basic rights. Indeed, they made a significant contribution to Jana ndolan II. The Interim Constitution has put the right to form trade unions under fundamental rights and there is a provision for the establishment of a labour commission. In the national conomy, too, the labouring class forms a major part of the population, in both organised and unorganised sectors. These apart, the workers’ long-term interests lie mainly at the micro-level of the economy, say the factory level. To ensure the workers’ interests in a real sense, the government needs to play a major role; but there is an equal need to protect the egitimate interests of those who put in capital. Indeed, an economic enterprise is a ollaborative effort. The trick of sound industrial relations lies in striking a balance between he interests of both sides, so important to the economic development of any society.

Given the industrial unrest and uncertainty in the country, a special May Day message should be good industrial relations. While the importance of laws and regulations to govern these relations is vital, mutual understanding between employers and employees is no less important. Even the existing laws, it is often alleged, have not properly been implemented. The need is there for further reform. As a result, most workers feel exploited, and the employers have their own complaints. The strikes and lockouts that have become common during the past few years are not likely to promote the interests of either side. Besides, the national economy is bound to suffer. The workers should understand the limitations of their employers — for instance, they cannot reasonably demand more benefits in a losing enterprise, say bonus. Many employers, too, have tended to treat their workers as mere wages, not a vital resource of their organisation, who have their legitimate claims. In order to promote both sides’ interests, there is an acute need for both labour and management to hold a constant dialogue in the right spirit.