Joint Trade Union Delegation Departs for Geneva to Address Government Interference

Kathmandu. The Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC) delegation is leaving for Geneva, Switzerland, to raise issues of trade union rights and government interference in democracy at the international forum.

A team comprising the JTUCC Chairman, General Secretary, and chairpersons of affiliated federations is scheduled to depart for Geneva tomorrow, Jestha 23, to participate in the '114th session of the International Labour Conference' being held in Geneva.

Speaking at a press conference held at Dialogue Dabali in Kathmandu on Friday, JTUCC Chairman Binod Shrestha informed that they would strongly raise their voice in Geneva against the government's attacks on democracy and trade union rights. Shrestha, who is also the President of ITUC-AAC, stated that they would draw the attention of the international community to the condition of the Nepali labor market, the democratic rights of workers, and government interference in trade unions.

He further stated that Nepal's democracy itself is in danger, saying, 'The government that carried the agenda of good governance has been overthrown. Not just trade unions, but democracy is being violated. We will draw the attention of the international community to issues including interference in trade unions in violation of national and international laws.' The conference in Geneva will run until Jestha 29.

At the press conference, NTUC Chairman Yogendra Kumar Kunwar expressed regret over the statement made by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on sensitive issues such as Nepal's sovereignty, national independence, and territorial integrity. He expressed anger, stating that the current government is simultaneously engaged in snatching the rights of the people and attacking the nation.

Similarly, Hekmat Jung Bhandari, Central Chairman of the Trade Union Federation (TUCON), said that they are angered by the government's move to cancel trade union registrations through an ordinance to amend some Nepal Acts. He also commented that the government's action of removing squatters without alternative arrangements is wrong.

JTUCC Women's Committee Chairperson Pramila Dhungana expressed the view that struggle and international pressure are necessary in the country to protect international labor standards and workers' rights, which Nepal has ratified as a party. Likewise, JTUCC General Secretary Navraj Dahal said that the current government is anti-poor, oppressed, and working-class people and is becoming a threat to democracy, hence everyone must be ready to unite and fight against it.