DPM Paudel assures of promoting labor rights

Kathmandu, Oct 8: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said the incumbent government is committed to strengthening the rights of workers and addressing the national resolution for prosperous Nepal, happy Nepali through a sound industrial labour relation. 

Opening the 26th General Council of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) - Asia Pacific here today, the Deputy Prime Minister said the implementation of a policy to adjust the minimum wages for workers as per the demand of time is in progress.

He said new forms of workplace issues and challenges are emerging and collective efforts are warranted to address them.  Workers' issues are more or less of the same nature across the globe, he added. 

Reminding of the Constitutional rights to practice trade union movement and for collective bargaining, he said it has guaranteed the right to employment as the fundamental right of citizens.  The Finance Minister added the government is sensitive to ensuring rights to employment, social justice, and social security to workers.  

He went on to say that the government is working to enhance the labor force, making it further skilled and professional. "The government is active to enable an industrial atmosphere by establishing decent labor relations," he said, adding that the government will accept the labor force as a prime socio-economic force of the country. 

As he said, the government has pursued a policy of creating ample jobs within the country.  

Nepal Trade Union Congress general secretary Ajay Kumar Rai said the country continues to incur a huge loss due to the 'impact' of climate change, drawing the government's attention to focus on addressing the needs and issues of daily-wage earners.

The two-day event has been attended by the All Nepal Trade Union Federation, Nepal Trade Union Federation, and trade union leaders and activists from the Asia-Pacific region. (RSS)