Deuba says Nepali Congress key to workers' rights

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said the NC has consistently played a crucial role in advancing the Trade Union Act, Labour Act, and Social Security Fund in Nepal.  

Extending his best wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepalis on the occasion of International Workers' Day, Deuba emphasised the need to resolve the challenges facing Nepali workers.  

"NC is active in protecting and promoting the rights and interests of the working class, ensuring a suitable working environment, social security, fair wages and remuneration, professional integrity, and respect by addressing their concerns. Everyone should work to solve these problems," his message reads.  

International Labour Day is observed on May 1 each year to commemorate the success of the workers' struggle and movement demanding eight hours of work, eight hours of rest, and eight hours of recreation in Chicago, USA, in 1886.  

Following the establishment of Biratnagar Jute Mill Industry in 1993 BS, Nepal saw its first historic workers' movement in Biratnagar in 2003 BS under NC leadership, demanding rights and benefits.  

The then autocratic regime had adopted a policy of ruthless suppression against the prolonged movement. Several leaders, including BP Koirala, were arrested at the time. The labour movement is regarded as the entry point of the epochal people's revolution of 2007 BS, which led to the establishment of democracy in Nepal.  

Deuba said the NC and workers have always been associated with each other and have consistently been each other's strengths.  

The first popularly elected government led by NC in 2016 BS formulated laws related to factories and workers, guaranteeing legal rights. He added that the NC was the first to adopt the policy of a liberal economy with social justice for the development of Nepal’s labour market.  

President Deuba expressed his best wishes for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of workers and the working class, believing that this historic day would inspire renewed energy and enthusiasm among all.

By RSS