The trade unions ought to be more reasonable while fighting for the rights and welfare of the workers, and the entrepreneurs too should meet the valid demands.

The International Labour Day or May Day was celebrated throughout the world on May 1, with the focus of the trade unions being the protection of the rights and the welfare of the workers. The various umbrellas of trade unions had organised rallies in Kathmandu, and other cities of the country on the occasion. It is true that the plight of the workers must be mitigated but the sad fact, in Nepal's context, remains that allegations have been made by the private sector that the trade union issues have not allowed it to grow as per expectations. This obviously calls for harmonious relations between the workers and the entrepreneurs. At a time when the industrial and other sectors are suffering from extended load shedding and high bank interest rates, among others, there should have been clear-cut over-the-table-negotiations to sort out outstanding trade union issues related to the welfare of the workers concerned. The minimum wage structure that is one of the components that comes up regularly is a contentious issue. The workers should have their reasonable demands fulfilled, but within the capacity of the industry, business or service provider concerned. The recent strike by the workers in the already reeling Terai-based industries was quite a blow. The lock out of the sector that provides employment opportunities and sustenance should not be throttled, as that will do more harm to the workers than the entrepreneurs. However, the entrepreneurs too should be considerate that it is because of the workers that contributions to the economy is possible. The government too should be aware and recognise both the entrepreneurs and the workers for making their contributions to the overall economy and the revenue for it to spend on development and other activities.

Many entrepreneurs are willing to go that extra mileage for the welfare of the workers, but they expect the workers too should reciprocate, but in all this the government should see to it that the minimum wage is adhered to in every sector and other facilities to which the workers are entitled to. A congenial environment must be created so that the management-labour tussles do not make their presence felt every so often. What we have been witnessing in recent times is that the downslide in the economy is hitting hard both the entrepreneurs and the workers.

The government, for its part, has not been able to come up with any policy, plans and programmes that can pump vitality to the economy. Despite the growing reserves, the government has not made much headway in spurring spending on development activities which spurs liquidity and, thereby, the purchasing power of the people leading to increased demands. This is where the country or, rather the government, has failed.

The trade unions ought to be more reasonable while fighting for the rights and welfare of the workers, while the entrepreneurs too should meet the sound demands. Strikes must be abhorred, except for extreme cases. The entrepreneur-worker relations can grow cordial if many ills like load shedding could be removed in the interest of both the groups.

Published on: 2 May 2011 | The Himalayan Times