FNCCI, trade unions form forum to resolve labour issues

KATHMANDU: The Employers' Organisation of Nepal, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), and trade unions have established a forum to resolve labour-related issues. This decision was made during a meeting held at the FNCCI Secretariat in Teku, Kathmandu.

In the meeting, FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal mentioned that employer-employee relations have been improving recently. He emphasised the need for cooperation and coordination between employers and workers to address future challenges.

Speaking at the meeting, Joint Trade Union Coordination Center (JTUCC) President Yogendra Kumar Kunwar reviewed the memorandum of understanding from November/December 2023 and identified measures to minimise upcoming challenges. He stressed the need for a more active social security fund, requiring increased involvement from both employers and workers.

Similarly, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) President Binod Shrestha highlighted the necessity of establishing a vision to safeguard the industry and organise the labour market. He suggested forming an executive committee from both sides to implement the agreed programmes.

FNCCI's Vice President (Associate) and Employers Council Chairperson, Jyotsna Shrestha, emphasised the need to promptly implement the agreement reached last November. She proposed organising a discussion meeting based on the agreement between both parties on matters such as minimum wage and productivity. She also stressed that any issues that can be resolved bilaterally should be discussed between the two sides before involving the government and highlighted the importance of bilateral discussions regarding the adoption of international conventions.