|
Trade Unions Discuss on Single Trade Union
Organised by General
Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT)
17 May 2006, Kathmandu
May 17- A wave of radical change of the
society has surged in Nepal after establishment of Loktantra (full-fledged
democracy). Institutionalisation of Newly-born Loktantra and pushing
aside all kinds of hurdles in the process are the major responsibility
in this transitional phase. It is possible only through the democratisation
of our society, which no way means just shift of political power.
The need is to restructure State, political parties and entire
organisations of Civil Society.
Responding to the urge of the time, today
GEFONT organised a panel Discussion on Trade Unionism in newly
born Loktantra. Presenting discussion paper on behalf of GEFONT,
Vice Chair Bishnu Rimal mentioned- "In Nepal different
types of workers organisations are active in manufacturing,
service and agricultural sectors both in formal and informal
economy. By exercise we have tradition of trade unions such
as -"Each Party, One Union", "All party FRONT
of Trade Unions" and apolitical or politically indifference
professional groupings. Within the practices, some are in the
existence just as the "labour wing of political parties".
The discussion paper suggested that now time
has come to create a truly new SINGLE union in Nepal which stands
in absolute ground of NEW value & principle and would be
considered as a sole recognised body of Nepali working masses
by the State and the International Community.
As the panellist union leaders and experts
shared their views. Panellist Dev Raj Dahal, the resident representatives
of the German organisation FES questioned- Can Nepalese workers
expect better welfare benefits from the new democratic evolution
in Nepal? Or, their past will rebound to shape their future
and leave them as usual a passive recipient of some welfare
benefits? How can the membership need of the unions be reconciled
with their greater role in shaping their political vision? Is
there a possibility for creating economic democracy in the country
so that capital and labour can work together for social justice
and peace building?
Similarly, another expert Dr. Shiva Sharma-
General Secretary of National Labour Academy said- while launching
a giant trade union umbrella consideration to the inclusion
of vast majority of agricultural workers in informal economy
is to be paid high emphasis.
Industrial relation expert Dr. Narayan Manandhar
argued- process is the technical part but ideal and issues are
more important while developing Single trade union.
Other panellists were- CoNEP President Sushil
Chandra Amatya, NTUC General Secretary Achyut R. Pandey, DECONT
Deputy General Secretary Rishav Dev Ghimire and TUC-GEP Coordinator
Ms. Kesh Maya Joshi.
The programme was presided by GEFONT Chair
Com. Mukunda Neupane and Master of Ceremony was Secretary General
Binod Shrestha.
Two books- Samaya kaa Sarathi (pioneers
of the time) and sram ko mulya sidhant (Labour Theory of Value)
were launched on the occasion. The programme was cosponsored
by FES- Nepal.
|
