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National Workshop on Fundamental Rights of
Workers in upcoming New Constitution of Nepal
Organised by Financial Institutes Employees
Union of Nepal (FIEUN)
25-26 January 2009
Background
At present, there is a growing trend towards
economic globalization. Globalization has promoted economic
growth while at the same time; it has caused social problems
such as the unequal distribution of income. The vast numbers
of developing countries as a whole have remained at a disadvantageous
position. As gap between the North and the South widens and
disparity between the rich and the poor grows, developing countries
have found it more difficult to achieve sustainable development.
Globalization has not only produced political
and economic implications for various countries but also brought
far-reaching influences on the world trade union movement. All
this has captured the wide attention of trade union organizations
at national, regional and international levels.
In the process of globalization, neo-liberal
economic policies taken by many countries have weakened the
foundation of trade unions. Globalization has intensified economic
competition among nations. To increase the competitiveness of
their products in the global market, many countries have adopted
the so-called neo-liberal policy, with one of its key parts
being legal restrictions on workers' rights for the sake of
higher economic efficiency. As a consequence, trade unions in
many countries have lost their rights that they had won through
many years of struggle, and their political foundation has increasingly
eroded away.
At the same time, neo-liberal policies strongly
advocate labour market flexibility, namely, de-regulating labour
market and empowering employers in areas of hiring, firing,
wage, and use of labour in Nepalese finance sector. As a result,
out sourcing, contract system and off souring have become started
in in finance sector of Nepal. The workers have not enjoyed
adequate protection for their employment, wages, social security
and occupational health and safety. Changes in employment patterns
have in turn rendered it very difficult for trade unions to
organize workers.
The present coalition government is headed
by Maoist Party in collaboration with CPN-UML, MJAF and small
parties. Nepali Congress has taken a position of opposition
party in spite of its second largest position in CA.
Government is heading towards to write constitution
for sustainable peace and development, workers also wants their
ownership and responsibility, so Trade unions of Nepal started
the mass discussion to effective involvement to incorporate
workers agendas in upcoming constitution of Nepal.
Considering above political and socio- economic situation FIEUN
has conducted one day Thematic Discussion on Fundamental Right
of Workers in upcoming New Constitution of Nepal on 25th January
2009, Kathmandu Nepal to achieve following aims and objectives.
Aims
FIEUN, its' leadership and all members has
struggled for democracy , Human Rights and Trade Union Rights,
so they must know how they can become the major player during
the time to write the constitution of Nepal and how we can show
our meaningful involvement.
To encourage every members to take a lead
to put Trade Union agenda in upcoming constitution in favor
for the fundamental Rights for workers and full fledge Democracy
in Nepal.
To reduce impacts of Globalization and prepare
the leadership to cope with the impacts of Neo Liberalization
Objectives
The main objective of this discussion is to make aware the potential
Trade Union Leaders to secure workers Right in upcoming constitution
of Nepal, provide Political Education on Socio-economics, Feudalism,
Social Unity and Right Sharing.
Mobilization of workers to advocate for Democracy and fundamental
rights of working class people.
Discussion on the effects of Globalization, Neo Liberalization
to prepare the future strategy.
Inaugural Session
Chief Guest of the Program President of Nepali
Congress & Ex Prime Minister Mr. G.P. Koirala inaugurated
FIEUN's sixth statutory National convention and National workshop
on 25th January in Kathmandu Nepal. Great Democratic Leader
Mr. Koirala thanked to all FIEUN members for their active role
in peoples movement to reestablished democratic system in Nepal.
Koirala added, I started my political career as a trade unionist
thus I have an emotional relationship with all of you.
Other special guest Vice President of Nepali
Congress Mr Prakash Man Singh, Former Finance Minister Dr Ramsharan
Mahat, Governor of Central Bank Mr Deependra Bahadur Chhetri,
President and Vice President of Bankers' Association of Nepal.,
Brother Dev Raj Dahal- FES Nepal, Brother Sharan KC- SASK, President
of NTUC and Brother Rajendra Acharya - UNI were also attended
and addressed the inaugural session.
Close Session
On the close session, Mr. Kanshiraj Dahal
resource person presented a paper on "Fundamental workers
rights in new constitution of Nepal ". He highlighted on
the constitution making process, technical committees and strategies
and role of Trade Union to guarantee the fundamental rights
of workers in upcoming new constitution of Nepal. In the other
hand there was important discussion on the effects of Globalization,
Neo liberalization and global financial crisis in Nepalese finance
sector and workers. Brother Rajendra Acharya Program Coordinator
of UNI APRO presented a paper on "Neo-liberal economic
policies, Multinational companies and Challenges for trade unions".
Altogether 700 National delegates and observer actively participated
in the discussion. Delegate & observers of 6th National
convention of FIEUN took opportunity to gain knowledge about
constitution making process of Nepal. They also discussed about
the strategies and role of trade union to secured the fundamental
rights of workers on the new constitution of Nepal.
Finally workshop recommended to lunch following
activities in future days securing the workers rights.
- An interaction program with leaders of
political parties, National centers and members of constitutional
Assembly
- Lobby to political party, National centers
and Govt. to make sure a democratic constitution with fundamental
rights of workers
- Mobilization and campaign program to create
pressure for workers Rights
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