Govt to work for bettering industrial relations

Kathmandu, Mar 2 (RSS): Minister for Labour and Transport Management Palten Gurung has said that a lack of good relationship between employers and labourers will not only spoil their future but will also affect the country’s economy.

Inaugurating here Thursday a two-day workshop on industrial relations organised by the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management, Minister Gurung said His Majesty’s Government is sensitive towards the ongoing problem between hotel entrepreneurs and hotel workers, and that the problem could be resolved through table talks.

He also expressed confidence that the workshop would be helpful in making timely reforms and amendment in acts and laws concerning labour, safeguard the rights and well-being of labourers, develop industries and strengthen relations between managers and labourers.

Director General of the Labour and Employment Promotion Centre Dip Basnet said the weakness on the part of government to help foster good industrial relations will be rectified gradually.

Joint secretary at the Ministry of Labour Mrs Motishobha Shrestha stressed the need for unity and mutuality among the three sectors concerned to enhance production and productivity, promote investment, increase facilities of workers and resolve industrial disputes.

Representative of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Jagdish Kumar Agrawal said 25 to 30 per cent of the industries in the country are on the verge of collapse. He also expressed the view that attention should be given to attracting investment and keeping it stable in order to maintain good industrial relations.

Representatives from Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC), democratic confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions (DECONT) and General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) expressed the view that the issue of enhancing healthy industrial relations should not be limited to such seminars only. All three sectors should give more emphasis to effective implementation of the labour act and regulations.

Some 35 persons from the Ministry, FNCCI and Labour Unions are taking part in the workshop.