The 122nd International Labor Day was celebrated across the country on Sunday with the slogan of ´Social Security for all Laborers´.
Leading trade unions in the country, including All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), Nepal Trade Union Congress-Independent (NTUC-I) and General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), took out separate rallies in the capital and other parts of the country, urging concerned stakeholders to provide, among others, social security programs for workers.

Thousands of workers participated in the rally organized by GEFONT. The rally started from Bhadrakali and culminated in a mass meeting at Khulla Manch.

Speaking at the mass meet, trade union leaders asked employers and the government to implement social security package for workers as agreed on March 24.

Responding to the demand put forth by trade union leaders, Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal assured the workers that the government would soon implement social security programs. “The nation is heading toward industrial revolution. I request both the workers and employers to work hand in hand, keeping aside their differences and misunderstandings,” Khanal said, adding, “The government along with private sector will introduce and implement social security package for the workers.”

Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar, senior vice president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said the International Labor Day was relevant for both the workers and employers.

Speaking on the occasion, GEFONT Chairman Bishnu Rimal said the March 24 agreement was the greatest achievement of the workers this year. Hailing the employers for agreeing to provide social security packages to workers, Rimal hoped that the employers would implement the package for the benefit of all the workers.

Published on: 2 May 2011 | Republica