FNCCI and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and three major trade unions, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) and General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GFONT) had singed a historical pact on March 24 agreeing salary hike to Rs 6100 per month and daily wage to Rs 226 along with social security scheme.
The agitating trade unions including two factions of ANTUF led by Lal Dhoj Nembang and Badri Bagajain, and other Tarai-based trade unions have launched protests at a time when the Supreme Court has already issued an interim order to the government not to implement pay hike decision which was published in a May 24 gazette. Through the Gazette, the government had announced increment in the minimum monthly salary of all industrial workers to Rs 6,200 and daily wage to Rs 231.
The protest which started from Thursday includes wearing black arm band from the first day and nationwide indefinite industrial closure starting July 31.
“The employers have been paying salary as per their discretion since last month of the fiscal year 2010/11 following the circular from FNCCI,” said Bajgain. “We condemn the notice circulated by FNCCI to its members asking them not to pay the increased salary.” Bipin Kumar Karna, central secretary of Madhesh Trade Union Forum Nepal (MTUFN) said that the fringe trade unions came up with their protests stating that workers employed in over 50 percent firms have been denied hiked pay.
Pashupati Murarka, chairman of the FNCCI’s Employers Council denied that FNCCI has issued any circular to effect as claimed by the agitating trade unions. “We have been providing the wage as instructed by the government. We are ready to ask any business organization that is found not providing the hiked salary to correct the practice,” he said.
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