The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the largest private-sector umbrella body, has once again called on the government to make efforts in reopening the industries in Bara-Parsa corridor that have remained closed for the last three days due to labour strike.

A delegation of FNCCI had met labour minister Hari Prasad Neupane on Tuesday and made a similar request. “We want the government to create an environment so that all industries that have remained closed could resume operations,” an FNCCI statement issued today states.

Production at around 14 industries based in the Bara-Parsa industrial corridor was halted from Tuesday due to a strike launched by workers who are demanding an increment in salary at all levels.

Earlier on June 10, the government had increased the minimum remuneration of formal sector workers to Rs 8,000 from Rs 6,200. The new remuneration structure came into effect from the beginning of this fiscal year in mid-July. However, workers of all levels at the Bara-Parsa industrial corridor are now demanding that their salaries be increased in the same proportion as the minimum wage.

“It is illegal to place such demands and close down industries as these issues can be settled through collective bargaining,” the FNCCI statement says. “These kinds of acts will only destabilise industrial peace.”

To settle this issue, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, on Tuesday, had called a tripartite meeting between representatives of the government, employers’ organisations and trade unions. But the meeting could not reach a decision on resuming the operation of closed industries.

The strike has affected a slew of industries including Hulas Steel, Agrani Aluminum, Triveni Textile, Hanuman Metal, Hama Iron and Biswokarma Cement, among others.

Published on: 9 August 2013 | The Himalayan Times