All Nepal Trade Union Federation Protests New Minimum Wage Determination

Kathmandu, 

The All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) has strongly opposed the recently announced minimum wage for workers, calling the decision "deceptive and anti-worker." In a press statement issued Friday, the federation condemned the wage determination process as being manipulated through backdoor dealings between trade unions affiliated with major political parties.

Key Objections Raised:

1. Alleged Collusion

   • ANTUF accuses Nepal Communist Party (UML) and Nepali Congress-aligned unions of conspiring to set an unjust wage structure

   • Claims the decision "severely betrays workers' interests"

2. Nationwide Appeal

   • Urges all workers across Nepal to expose this "fraudulent wage determination"

   • Calls for united resistance against the implemented wage structure

3. Process Criticism

   • Denounces the wage-setting mechanism as "non-transparent and undemocratic"

   • Demands immediate revision through proper worker consultations

[See Attached: Full Protest Statement]

The protest comes amid growing discontent among labor groups regarding the new wage framework approved by the government in consultation with major trade unions. ANTUF, representing more radical labor factions, has vowed to escalate protests if demands aren't addressed.

Context:
This marks the third major labor dispute this fiscal year regarding wage policies, reflecting deepening divisions within Nepal's worker organizations along political lines.

Note: The actual minimum wage figures under contention were not specified in the released statement.