May Day marked
Koirala urges workers to unite against terrorism

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 1 With flags in their hands, thousands of workers participated in the rally chanting slogans for the unity on the occasion of the 113th May Day today. Irrespective of their political ideologies, trade union leaders stressed the need to join hands for the attainment of common objectives and wellbeing of all workers from all sectors.

Though the Labour Act –2049 BS is yet to be amended, all trade union leaders have strongly warned the government not to bring out any law against the well being of labourers.

The trade union leaders also emphasised the need to make common efforts to fight terrorism and violence.

Addressing the function, former Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala urged all workers to be united against terrorism and violence. "Workers of the builders of nations should not shy away. You should be united to build up the nation," he said.

"It is impossible to attain a common goal if we are divided," he said adding, "Workers are the force that help achieve the national goal."

Madhav Kumar Nepal, general secretary of the Coworkers to join hands for the common cause. At a time when the nation is passing through a difficult time, every person in the society should make common efforts to tackle the problem.

"Irrespective of any ideology we should join hands to fight terrorism at this moment," he said.

Nepal also blasted the Maoists and the Nepali Congress for triggering the violence and insecurity. "They are responsible for weakening the workers movement,’ he said.

Resident Representative of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Leyla Tegmo Reddy stressed the need to safeguard the interest of workers.

Dr. Narayan Manandhar, a labour relations expert expressed the hope that the trade union movement will go ahead in the coming days.

Bishnu Rimal, general secretary of the General Federation of the Nepalese Trade Unions stressed the need for unity among workers. The GEFONT and the Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) have agreed to work on various sectors for the uplift of the workers. As part of their common efforts they have already singed a 17 point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work on different areas related to the workers.

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