Kathmandu: Nepal’s treatment of civil service trade unions has emerged as a matter of international concern during the 114th International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference, being held from June 1 to 12, has brought together more than 5,000 participants, including representatives of governments, employers, and workers from 187 countries.
On the sidelines of the event, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Asia-Pacific organized a special discussion on the dissolution of trade unions in Nepal’s civil service sector and broader labor rights issues, according to Jagat Simkhada, President of the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF).
During the program, Binod Shrestha, President of the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC), presented a concept paper alleging that the Nepal government had dissolved civil service trade unions, removed workers’ representatives from tripartite mechanisms through an ordinance, and attempted to weaken the labor movement.
Representatives from Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, and other countries expressed concern over the developments, stating that restrictions on trade union rights run contrary to democratic values and internationally recognized labor standards. They also voiced solidarity with Nepal’s labor movement and pledged continued international support.
The event also featured remarks from Bishnu Rimal, former president of GEFONT and former chief political advisor to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who shared his views on Nepal’s current political situation and the treatment of civil service trade unions.
Meanwhile, Uttam Katuwal, President of the Nepal Civil Servants’ Union, said he met Labour Minister Ramji Yadav during the conference to brief him on the situation of the union and submit a memorandum outlining its concerns. He also thanked international delegates for standing in solidarity with Nepali trade unions.
Similarly, Ajay Kumar Rai, General Secretary of the Nepal Trade Union Congress and Executive Committee Member of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), conveyed a message from ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton, stating that the federation had taken serious note of the government’s actions.
He reaffirmed the ITF’s commitment to supporting Nepali workers in defending labor rights and democratic principles.
Concluding the program, Eric Manzi, Deputy General Secretary of the ITUC in Brussels, said the organization representing nearly 200 million workers worldwide stands firmly with Nepali workers and trade unions. He expressed confidence that the labor movement would ultimately prevail in its struggle for workers’ rights.
