KATHMANDU, Aug 2: Workers staged a demonstration at Maitighar Mandala, Kathmandu, on Sunday, seeking government intervention to address the laying off of staffers and reduction in salary of those retained by various companies and organizations, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Six federations of trade unions affiliated to different political parties that are dissatisfied by the unfair move of a number of organizations organized the demonstration. Reviewing the laws and agreements that have been affecting the workers’ welfare and resuming the workers in jobs, among others, are the major demands of the workers.
Life under lockdown
Nepal imposed a complete lockdown from March 24, which was into effect till July 21. Despite easing the lockdown in the past three weeks, business houses are still struggling to revive their businesses. Showing the cause of coronavirus, many organizations have laid off a large number of workers, cut-off salaries or have delayed salaries to their staffers.
Nepal Trade Union Congress, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions, Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions, Federation of Nepal Samajwadi Trade Union, Federation of Nepal Progressive Free Trade Union and All Nepal Trade Union Federation were among the participating trade unions in the demonstration.
