SANGEET SANGROULA

At a time when the government is mulling to revise the existing Labor Act, stakeholders on Friday held discussions over the draft and urged the government to revise the act in a way that would ensure cordial relations between the workers and employers.

Labor disputes have led to the closure of many industries across the country. As a result, many youths have been forced to go abroad for employment.

The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MoLE) is currently preparing a draft for an amendment to the 22-year-old Labor Act.

At the function organized by Samudayik Sarathi, a non-government organization in Bhaktapur district, on Friday, representatives from various trade unions, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Bar Association, Ministry of Industry, MoLE and the Department of Cottage and Small Industries discussed major provisions proposed in the draft.

Bijya Khada, former secretary at MoLE, said wage earners should be paid on an hourly basis. “Likewise, formal sector workers should be given appointment letters and other facilities, including insurance. This will not only ensure job security to workers but also develop a professional culture,” added he.

“All the organized industries and organizations should be enlisted as a formal sector under the revised Act,” said a representative from the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions.

The suggestions from stakeholders will be forwarded to MoLE, said Tara Bahadur Bhandari, president of Samudayik Sarathi. The organization has already organized similar discussions in 45 districts across the country.

Published on: 28 September 2013 | Republica