Talks with trade unions put off

KATHMANDU, April 5: The Ministry of Labor and Transport Management (MoLTM) has postponed the talks with agitating trade unions until April 9, citing the absence of Minister of Labor and Transport Management Top Bahadur Rayamajhi to make a final decision.



“We have decided to postpone the talks, as Minister Rayamajhi is busy attending a program abroad,” said a highly placed official at the MoLTM.[break]



According to the official, the ministry has already completed necessary technical and administrative works for the talks. “As we don´t hold the right to make a final decision, we have postponed the talks till the minister returns.”



He also said the ministry will also invite FNCCI officials for the final dialogue.



“We have gone through the demands put forth by the agitating trade unions,” added the official, “Now it is up to the minister to agree or reject the demands.”



The agitating trade unions had agreed to re-open industries in Birgunj-Pathlaiya and Sunsari-Morang industrial corridors from Saturday, giving the ministry a four-day ultimatum to respond to their demands. The deadline is ending on Tuesday.



“We will wait till April 9 as asked by the ministry,” said Krishna Pokhrel of Independent Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Union.

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