Report on Role of Trade Union in Conflict Management

Training organized by Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions (DECONT)

18-19 April 2004, Kathmandu

Kathmandu April 18-19: Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions (DECONT) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) organized a two-day training program on the “Role of Trade Unions in Conflict Management.” Four facilitators representing academia, human rights organization, conflict expert and trade union leaders offered the training to 50 young union leaders affiliated to DECONT.

The program was inaugurated by Central Committee Member of Nepali Congress (Democratic) and former minister Bimalendra Nidhi. Speaking as chief guest he said that a consensus should be developed through dialogue among the three main contending forces-the king, five major parliamentary political parties and the CPN-Maoist. Before the king took executive power political conflict was confined between the pro-constitutional forces and Maoist. But, now it has become triangular in nature. He said, “King should be brought under constitutional process and negotiation should be started with the Maoists.” Power sharing arrangement must be established in a democratic manner. Trade Unions can play role by pressurizing the political leadership for the restoration of democratic process.

Sudip Pathak, Chairmain of HURON, said, “trade unions should formulate a common national agenda to prevent the closing of factories due to ongoing conflict in the country.” They should also exert pressure on the king and parliamentary political parties for reconciliation. President of DECONT, Rajendra B. Raut said, “As democratic government could not address the problem of workers, they are being attracted by the demands of Maoists.”

Dev Raj Dahal of the FES spoke on “Conflict Dynamics in Nepal.” He explained that rational formulation of problem can help solve the problem of conflict. But, if the problem is seen through class, caste, business, regional and ethnic angle it cannot solve the problem. He forwarded three approaches to peace in Nepal: muscular peace which is achieve by eliminating the opponents; hegemonic peace where only the powerful actors monopolize power; and democratic peace which is inclusive and transformatory in nature and tries to address the root causes of the problem.

Noted human rights activist Krishna Pahadi delivered his lecture on “Violent Conflict Human Rights Situation in Nepal.” He emphasized on the culture of human rights and peace. Absolutism of political power militates the prospect of creating a democratic political culture. He said if peace is achieved by democratic means only then it can ensure better human rights conditions by observing laws, constitution and international conventions. All the conflicting parties should adopt Geneva Conventions and stop extra-judicial killing, arrest, torture, and arbitrary arrests. Pahadi said, either the problem of Maoists should be solved or parties should go for elections. A common national program of action should be drafted to mobilize people for peace.

Subodh Pyakurel, Chairman of Informal Sector service of Nepal (INSEC) argued that Maoist compelled the state to rethink about the reality of the country. Only necessary reforms can address the root causes of the conflict. Trade Union can become a part of the reform measure and help the economy bring in the right track. “More than 10,000 people and about 5,00 workers lost their lives due to ongoing violent conflict in the country. The conflicts also caused the closure of factories, displacement of people, damage of infrastructure and violation of trade union rights including the right to work, argued,” General-Secretary of DECONT Khila Nath Dahal.

Conflict expert Shivahari Dahal explained about the cycle of conflict, conflict analysis, sources of conflict, means deployed, interests of actors, unseen forces, the beneficiaries of conflict and various approaches to break the cycle of violence. He also explained about various tools and techniques of conflict management, conflict transformation and conflict resolution.

Other presentations were made on “Effects of Conflict on CBA and Trade Union Rights” and the “Role of Trade Union in the Mitigation of Conflict.” The conclusion was followed by group discussion and presentation of report. Three major human rights organizations of the country shared their official views on the conditions of human rights in the country. After the presentation of the lectures followed group discussion which came with following points:

• Trade unions leadership and conflict experts should share knowledge and information as to how various concepts used in conflict management are creatively applied.
• Social partners should work on the minimization of the effects of conflicts on labor market, workers and related fields.
• Provide training to local union leaders as to how social capital is generated for conflict management at the local level and civil peace works initiated.
• Lobby for peace education and activism in the country by building a coalition of civil society groups.
• Familiarize the media and attentive public about the violation of workers rights, their livelihoods and their organizations. Initiate political discussion on making conflict-sensitive development projects.
• Link the struggle of trade unions with democratic process and utilize the common strength derived therefrom for peace-building efforts.
• Organization building of the workers in informal sectors so that they can raise their voice, visibility and collective interests. Rights lives and liberty of the workers should be defended by the unions.