“We couldn´t start discussion on salary hike - a major bone of contention between the industrialists and trade unions, as we were focused more on other issues like creating good industrial relation," said Ramesh Badal, who represented UML-affiliated General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), in the talks.[break]
During the meeting, negotiators representing industrialists sought the commitment of trade unions leaders to end the ongoing practice of using industrial workers political activities.
“We expressed our commitment against disrupting industrial operation by asking workers to join our political programs and assured the industrialists of necessary support to increase industrial productivity," Badal added.
Similarly, trade union representatives requested the employers to incorporate provisions of insurance, provident fund and social security of workers in the new amendment to the Labor Act.
The FNCCI agreed to sit for talks from Wednesday after the Maoist-affiliated All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) withdrew its decision of shutting down industries inside Hetauda Industrial Estate. Three major trade unions in the country -- ANTUF, GEFONT and the NC-affiliated Nepal Trade Union Congress - are on warpath since February 9, putting forth demands like increasing monthly salary of workers to Rs 10,000 and daily wage to Rs 400.
However, trade unions in recent negotiations have been pushing for 60 percent hike in salary. The employers on the other hand have floated a proposal of hiking salary by only 23.7 percent, citing adverse business climate in the country.
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