KATHMANDU: A two-day interaction program titled “The Role of Trade Unions in the Current Political Context” concluded in Kathmandu on April 27, marking the 137th International Workers’ Day.

The event was organized by the All Nepal Trade Union Federation at a hotel in Maharajgunj and chaired byANTUF president Jagat Simkhada. Barshaman Pun, a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal attended as the chief guest.

Writer and analyst Yug Pathak presented a working paper on “The Rise of Populism and the Role of Trade Unions.” He traced the development of trade unions from the Industrial Revolution to Nepal’s historic Biratnagar Jute Mill Strike, underlining their role in advancing workers’ rights.

Addressing the gathering, Pun emphasized that trade unions must become more organized, proactive and aware in order to protect workers’ rights amid a complex political environment.

Participants discussed the impact of rising right wing populism, digital transformation, globalization and the gig economy on labor movements. Concerns were raised over the growing number of workers in the informal sector, which has weakened the influence of trade unions.

Speakers also stressed that migrant workers should not be reduced to “remittance generators,” urging the state to take greater responsibility in ensuring their labor rights and employment security.

The program was attended by several trade union leaders, including ANTUF incharge Ramdeep Acharya, SARTUC General Secretary Laxman Basnet, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions Vice President Bidur Karki, ICTU Chair Bishnu Lamsal, and NTUC Vice President Mahendra Yadav.

Concluding the event, participants called for stronger unity among trade unions through the Joint Trade Union Coordination Center. They emphasized the need to defend the federal democratic republic and ensure the effective implementation of workers’ constitutional rights while building a clear agenda to counter the challenges posed by populism.