Nepal's Civil Service Trade Unions Submit Joint Demands to Ministry of Federal Affairs

Kathmandu. Six national-level civil service trade unions in Nepal have submitted a joint memorandum of demands and commitments to the Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

On Thursday, representatives from the Nepal Civil Service Organization, Nepal Civil Service Union, Nepal National Civil Service Organization, Unified Government Employees Organization Nepal, Madhesi Civil Service Forum, and Independent Civil Servants Organization Nepal jointly submitted the memorandum.

The memorandum demands the immediate introduction of the Federal Civil Service Act. The trade unions have put forward a primary demand to set the mandatory retirement age for employees at 60 years. Additionally, they are calling for provisions in the Act for voluntary retirement for employees who have completed 30 years of service and reached 50 years of age.

Demands have been made to set the tenure of the Chief Secretary at 2 years, Secretaries at 3 years, and a maximum service period of 12 years for Joint Secretaries or equivalent positions.

The memorandum urges the inclusion of all employees working at the federal, provincial, and local levels under the definition of 'civil servant.' It also calls for the implementation of a 'grade-based system' in the civil service and requests that employees who were left redundant or unfairly adjusted during the integration process be given one final opportunity to choose their placement.

The unions have demanded a one-grade promotion for employees who have completed 5 consecutive years in any position, and a rank promotion with grade alignment for those who have completed 10 or more years of service. Furthermore, the government's attention has been drawn to the need for a clear legal provision for the automatic adjustment of salaries, allowances, and benefits in line with the cost of living.

They have also expressed concern regarding the government's agenda to abolish civil service trade unions. Citing the Biratnagar Jute Mill workers' movement, the statement highlights the historical significance of the trade union movement in shaping civil liberties and professional rights, urging the government to recognize its vital role.