April 2nd, 2017
In comparison, expansion and situation of trade union strength in Nepal is better than others. But Nepal faces challenge of stable membership due to existing large informal sector. Therefore, Trade union movement of Nepal has to accept that organizing is the first and continued necessity of union movement for Building Workers’ Power. I join with previous speakers and reiterate their points that the AP needs smart action for the region, not only the heap of agendas.
Colleagues do not forget Asia Pacific region is not only our home; it is the powerhouse of global labour movement!
Good morning comrades, and friends!
My doctor had suggested me for complete voice rest. Thus, I was in dubious whether I would join this meeting or skipped!
However, expecting meeting you all, I could not restrain myself, and I dare to join you.
My union has sent me here to share our sincere thanks to bro Suzuki. Suzuki-San, thank you so much for your contribution to our movement and the entire region!
I have brought our best wishes to brother Shoya. Welcome brother Shoya, you will have full support from our organisation.
Throughout this period, almost a decade of founding Asia Pacific regional organisation, we have been fighting to end political transition in my country Nepal. We faced devastated Earth Quake and entangled with Political wrangling. Still we are struggling; there are lots of unfinished jobs pending.
However, we have some good information as well to share in this august extended conference.
We became able to introduce Nepali model to organise migrant workers in destination country and we developed Nepali model to unite in one plate form to the competing multiple unions.
Once Dr Sharan K.C. currently working in APHEDA, mentioned a publication entitled “Reflection on Trade Union Development in Nepal: 2012” regarding union station rate in South Asia. It was India 5%, Pakistan 2.2%, Bangladesh 5.56%, Nepal 16.98% and Sri Lanka 13.50 respectively.
In comparison, expansion and situation of trade union strength in Nepal is better than others. But Nepal faces challenge of stable membership due to existing large informal sector. Therefore, Trade union movement of Nepal has to accept that organizing is the first and continued necessity of union movement for Building Workers’ Power.
We became able to finalise two bills- social security bill and bills concerning amendment in existing labour act in parliamentary committee; and guaranteed the gender parity in union and entire life of our country. I am proud to say, in local government there will be 40% women compulsory, 33 per cent in all levels of parliament and the executive board of institutions including the trade unions.
I am proud to note, we have females as the President, the Chief Justice and the speaker of the House now.
We are one of the subscribers of ITUC’s Count Us In programme and party to climate action.
I join with previous speakers and reiterate their points that the AP needs smart action for the region, not only the heap of agendas.
Colleagues do not forget Asia Pacific region is not only our home; it is the powerhouse of global labour movement!
Thank you!
(Address at 27-28 March 2017, Fukushima Japan) during Review Conference of the ITUC Asia Pacific Regional General Council)