Teachers' Union Expresses Concern Over Proposals to Abolish Trade Unions in Election Manifestos

Kathmandu. The National Committee of the Nepal National Teachers' Organization has expressed concern over proposals in the manifestos of some political parties regarding the upcoming elections to abolish trade unions.

Issuing a press release today, Hansa Bahadur Shahi, the organization's chairman, stated that trade unions are independent, professional, and non-partisan organizations, referencing Article 34 of the Constitution of Nepal, which grants every worker the fundamental right to form a trade union, join one, and bargain collectively.

Reminding that the International Labour Organization (ILO) convention ratified by Nepal obligates the state to protect the rights of workers to establish organizations and bargain collectively, he stated that any political party envisioning the abolition or restriction of the freedom of trade unions cannot be considered democratic.

The press release stated, "This is an act contrary to the Constitution of Nepal, laws, and international conventions ratified by Nepal. A party envisioning this cannot be considered to have a democratic political character," adding, "The right to form a trade union and bargain collectively is a fundamental right granted by the Constitution. The activities of the Rastriya Swatantra Party to control or abolish this right are steps against democratic values and norms, constitutional provisions, and international labor standards."