Trade Union International Demands End to Restrictions on Public Sector Unions and Student Groups in Nepal

Kathmandu. The Trade Union International Public Services and Allied has demanded that the government of Nepal refrain from imposing restrictions on public sector employees and student organizations. 

The organization, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, condemned the measures outlined in the government's recent document and called for their immediate withdrawal, labeling the move as undemocratic and authoritarian.

In a solidarity statement issued by General Secretary Zola Saphetha, the union stated that efforts to strip Nepali workers and students of their democratic rights are being met with global opposition, affirming that workers worldwide stand with Nepal.

The statement notes that this government action is a direct violation of the rights to organize and form trade unions, as guaranteed by Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution of Nepal. Furthermore, the union stated that the ban violates International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 98, which has been ratified by Nepal.

Describing the government's so-called reform agenda as nothing more than an authoritarian attempt to seize power, the statement argues that the administration views the political voices of workers and students as a threat rather than an asset. 

The union warned that allowing the business and political elite to participate freely in politics while depriving public service employees and university students of the same rights will lead to serious inequality in Nepal's labor market.

The organization, affiliated with the World Federation of Trade Unions, stated that attempts to neutralize trade unions and make them solely accountable to the government will weaken the entire labor movement. The union asserts that as workers are part of society, they must be allowed to participate in social and political processes.

The organization pledged that an attack on workers in any corner of the world is an attack on workers everywhere, and they are committed to ensuring that this regression in Nepal does not succeed. 

Demands of the Trade Union International:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the ban on public service trade unions and student organizations.

2. Full respect and compliance with Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution of Nepal.

3. Respect for ILO conventions and obligations thereunder.

4. Engagement in fair, transparent, and democratic collective bargaining with trade unions when proposing any labor reforms.