Ο Γενικός Γραμματέας της ITF στέκεται δίπλα στα συνδικάτα του Νεπάλ στο Κατμαντού…

…. με ένα σαφές μήνυμα: τα δικαιώματα των εργαζομένων είναι το θεμέλιο της δημοκρατίας, όχι εμπόδιο σε αυτήν.

"Δεν θα ξεφύγουμε από δύσκολες καταστάσεις. Θα έρθουμε από όλο τον κόσμο στο Νεπάλ και θα πολεμήσουμε μαζί. "

ITF General Secretary Expresses Challenges to Labor Rights and Democratic Values in Nepal

Kathmandu. International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) General Secretary Stephen Cotton has expressed concern over the growing challenges to labor rights and democratic values in Nepal.

During his visit to Nepal, Cotton stated that the government's recent style of functioning and decisions have challenged decades of democratic achievements and the constitution itself.

General Secretary Cotton objected to the government's attempt to weaken trade unions or its intention to have 'only one union'. In a conversation with News Agency Nepal, he expressed outrage over the insult to the right of workers to organize voluntarily and their decades of contribution, urging the government to reconsider its stance.

Cotton, head of an organization representing approximately 17 million transport workers, noted that the new approach the new government in Nepal is trying to adopt attacks the independent existence of trade unions. He stated that although Nepal is a country with an emerging economy and hardworking people, the government's distrust towards the court, parliament, and administration has worried them.

Stating that he brought a message of solidarity from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Global Council of Unions, Cotton clarified that independent trade unions are indispensable for the protection of democracy. He also emphasized the need for transparency, impartiality, and adherence to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for further investment and tourism development in Nepal.

He argued that the increasing 'sub-contracting' model in employment reduces labor costs but does not contribute to building society. He pointed out the necessity of bringing more and more workers under 'safety nets' such as social security, minimum wages, and workplace safety for a sustainable future.

Speaking about thousands of Nepali workers employed in the Gulf countries, Cotton informed that the ITF is actively working to ensure the rights of transport workers in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

In the context of major labor organizations in Nepal (JTUCC, GEFONT, NTUC, ANTF) being in a state of confusion, he advised the labor leadership not to be swayed. He stated that governments sometimes change due to public outcry, and during such times, unions must play a leading role. He advised dispelling misleading news on social media and integrating the voice of workers to sit at the negotiating table with the government as the correct path forward.

Cotton emphasized the need to channel the energy of Nepal's youth towards the values of the United Nations and international cooperation, clarifying that labor movements are always ready for constructive dialogue with the government.