Production at some 14 industries based in the Bara-Parsa industrial corridor was halted for the second consecutive day on Wednesday as well due to the strike by workers who have been demanding an increment in salary at all levels.

The industries were brought to a complete halt by workers of Bara, Parsa and Rautahat districts aligned to the Joint Trade Union Coordination Committee. The agitating workers have been warned to continue the shutdown until their demands are addressed. 

The government had decided to hike the salary of low-paid workers from a minimum of Rs 6200 to Rs 8000 on June 10, effective from this fiscal. Following the government’s decision to increase the remuneration of only a certain group of workers, other workers have come up with a series of protests demanding the salary hike to be applicable at all levels. 

A number of industries including Hulas Steel, Agrani Aluminum, Triveni Textile, Hanuman Metal, Hama Iron and Biswokarma Cement, among others remained totally closed on Wednesday as well. However, Kansai Paints — a multinational company — resumed its operations today after agitating union members and management reached an understanding today, as informed by the FNCCI Birgunj chapter. 

Meanwhile, Birgunj FNCCI chairperson Ashok Baidhya said that they have held several rounds of informal talks with union leaders and are seeking a resolution at the earliest possible time. Though FNCCI had taken the initiative to hold talks with the agitating workers and management committees of industries they couldn’t be held as the coordination committee coordinator Suresh Gupta was out of the district today. 

“We are going to hold talks on Thursday,” Gupta informed over the phone, but he ruled out the possibility of negotiation until the management gets ready to increase at least Rs 1800 for all workers. 

According to Baidhya, entrepreneurs have been suffering from industrial shutdowns every two years after the government reviews the minimum salary of workers. This trend only spoils the working environment in the industries, which further discourages investors. 

“Though we are aware of the huge loss to investors, we didn’t see any other option as industrialists and the government has failed to listen to our demands,” said coordinator of Federation of All Nepal Trade Union Bhojpura Min Prasad Apagain. The agitating workers have warned of closing down the industries till August 9 and have also mentioned that they will launch a fresh series of protest programmes if their demands are not addressed.

Published on: 8 August 2013 | The Himalayan Times