Pvt sector fears labour militancy might strike back
KATHMANDU, AUG 23 -
With the All Nepal Revolutionary Federation of Trade Union (ANRFTU), affiliated to the CPN-Maoist, disrupting various enterprises, including Kantipur Publications, the private sector fears militant unionism might rear its ugly head again.
There has been a marked improvement in industrial relations over the last two years and industrial unrest has declined significantly. However, ANRFTU’s latest tirade against business enterprises has threatened industrial harmony.
The union has obstructed distribution of The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur dailies for the last two days.
The Baidya Maoist-affiliated trade union has mainly targeted nine other enterprises, including CG Telecommunications, Nabil Bank, Hyatt Hotel, Pashupati Foods, Explore Himalayan Trekking Travels, Himalayan Expedition Ink, Peak Promotion Private Limited, Hari Shiddi Bricks and Tile Factory, and Sipradi Trading. Their demands include salary hike and reinstatement of their cadres removed from the job.
The union has been protesting at Nabil Bank, demanding reinstatement of laid-off workers the bank had outsourced from a third company. According to a senior Nabil official, they had outsourced the workers for a certain period. “As we announced that we did not need their services any more, the union members have been staging a sit-in before our office for the last 8-9 days, demanding we should hire them,” said the official. “How can we fulfil their demands as they are not our employees?”
Private sector leaders say spoiling industrial relations for expanding political space is deplorable.
Pradeep Jung Pandey, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said since the CPN-Maoist is making efforts to show their political presence, they are targeting business enterprises.
Former FNCCI President Suraj Vaidya termed the CPN-M act “unfortunate”. “Instead of joining the Parliament, the CPN-M is doing politics in the business sector to fulfil its political objective. “The government should take strong action against those disrupting industrial relations.”
Business leaders say the latest attack by the trade union on various enterprises could deteriorate the business climate at a time when the private sector is looking positive on increasing investment. “Let us (private sector) work and expand our business when there is a positive buzz for investment,” said Vaidya.
Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) Senior Vice-president Hari Bhakta Sharma said the action of the CPN-M trade union has created fear that the trend of labour unions competing for influence with unreasonable demands might come back. “The CNI is of the view that the political parties should be responsible to create congenial environment for the people to do their work,” he said.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
