At a time when the government, the private sector and trade unions are doing homework to review the minimum wage of workers, a trade union affiliated to Mohan Baidya-led CPN-Maoist has demanded its inclusion in the wage review negotiation process.

All Nepal Revolution Trade Union Federation (ANRTUF) has accused the government of excluding it from the talks and has launched a protest programme which began May 15. On Friday, the ANRTUF organised a one-hour long sit-in on the premises of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

The tripartite Minimum Wage Determination Committee formed by the government one and half months ago has been given a two-month time to fix the minimum salary of industrial workers, except for those working in tea estates. The committee has held several rounds of talks with employers and trade unions.

As per the Labour Act 1992, workers’ minimum salary should be reviewed every two years. The pay was last revised in March 2011 and was fixed at Rs 6,200 per month. The daily wage was fixed at Rs 231.

The ANRTUF has hoisted black flags at industrial firms across the country to make its demand heard and to press the government for its inclusion in the negotiation process. It has also demanded the minimum monthly wage be fixed at Rs 15,000 and daily wage at Rs 700.

ANRTUF Coordinator Ram Deep Acharya said the union will continue the protest until the government and employers fulfil its demands. “If the government and employers do not come up with remuneration package as per our demand that alone ensures the benefit of workers, we will launch even more stern protests,” he said.

Government officials, who have been facilitating the ongoing dialogue between trade unions and employers, said they could not include the ANRTUF as it has not been registered in any government agency or in the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC) — the common forum of seven trade unions.

“Unlike previous years, when the government used to talk with individual trade unions, we have been dealing with the JTUCC this year as it incorporates all the registered trade unions,” said Krishna Hari Pushkar, director general at the Department of Labour.

According to officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, negotiation with individual trade unions in previous years were full of hassles due to which trade unions have been asked to come up with the collective demands through the JTUCC. “Representatives from every single trade union under the JTUCC are taking part in the negotiation meetings with the government and the employers,” added Pushkar.

The FNCCI, which has been leading the talks from the private sector, says it has been trying to be as inclusive as possible. They also said the government should try to incorporate all trade unions so as to ensure that voices of all are heard. “We are ready and flexible to discuss with all trade unions,” said Manish Kumar Agrawal, vice chairman of FNCCI’s Employers’ Council.

Published on: 27 May 2013 | The Kathmandu Post