• TAAN seals deal with UNITRAV
• News brief
• Press communiqué
• National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates Unions

TAAN seals deal with UNITRAV [top]

March 28- Sixteen points Agreement is signed between Union of Trekking, Travels, Rafting and Airlines Workers -Nepal (UNITRAV) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).

Per As Agreement, Now workers will get at least Rs 5300 Dashain Bonus, Accident insurance equal to Rs 5,00,000 and up to 2,50,000 medical insurance. Like wise , Fifty percent salary has been increased of field staffs, a Clothing Bank will be established in Lukla for Porters and manage housing for Porters.

Similarly in Agreement other provisions such as Welfare Fund, Identity Card, implementation of Labour Law and formation of task force to revise  the daily minimum  wages,are illustrated. 
 

GEFONT affiliated Union UNITRAV had  handed over a 21-pointcharter of demands to executive committee of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) on September 08, 2009. UNITRAV president Sarki Tamang had handed over the memorandum to TAAN president
Sitaram Sapkota and given a 15-day ultimatum to fulfill their demands.

After the crossed the dead-line of ultimatum,they called on the Strike and Picketing in Tourism sector Pokhara, Rasuwa, Jiri and Mount Everest area .
 

News brief [top]

GEFONT participates in International Forum

March 03- GEFONT has recently participated in very important International Forum on Economic Globalization and Trade Unions, organised by All-China Federation of Trade Unions on February25-26,2010 in Beijing, China.

As a speaker, on behalf of Nepali Trade unions Com. Umesh Upadhyaya,Secretary General of GEFONT highlighted on“International Financial Crisis and Role of Trade Unions.

“We Nepali workers are facing both internal and international crisis, but we are optimistic(definitely there is no option of optimism).The support and solidarity from international community and particularly from neighborhood mainly China & India has always inspired us even in the days of extreme difficulties. Here I would like to rememorize the popular lines–We shall overcome, we shall overcome,we shall overcome someday. Jointly we shall overcome the crisis and achieve a better Nepal,better Asia and a better world for working people” Said com.Upadhyaya delivering his speech.

Altogether 301 delegates including 150 international guests from 119 Trade Unions of 79 countries participated in that International Forum.

More>>> International financial crisis and role of Trade union

GEFONT enters at Face Book,Twitter,YouTube and Flickr

March 25-Making its work more transparent and publicly known-the GEFONT has joined at social networking strings-Face Book, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

The GEFONT department of Media-Publicity and Publication has gratefully announced that our audience will get GEFONT information as quickly as the event took place.
 
The Department has further humbly request all our visitors to consider this endeavor and invites to be the part of these networking.

GEFONT,CEC and MFA organise South and West Asia Consultation on Domestic Work

April 16 - GEFONT, Centre for Education and Communication (CEC), India  and Migrant forum in Asia (MFA) Jointly  organised a South and West Asia Consultation on the Proposed ILO Convention on Domestic Work in Kathmandu on April 15-16, 2010.
 
The aim was:

-To look at the proposed ILO standard in the light of the conditions of domestic work in South and West Asia and thereby its relevance and applicability
-To report to ILO the major concerns from stakeholders
-To suggest to the ILO and the national governments the major concerns of the workers representatives
-To facilitate a meaningful dialogue among different agencies and stakeholders – trade unions, migrant’s rights organisations, government, NGOs, labour support organisation together on one platform.

This consultation, a follow up to the South Asian Workshop held at New Delhi on the ILO process in December 2009, seeks to bring together South Asian trade unions and advocates that are directly engaged in the campaign in order to develop a program of action, towards the adoption of a Convention for domestic workers and its ratification. 
 

Altogether 60 participants from various trade union and Civil Society  organizations from Nepal , India , Bangladesh, Pakistan, Srilanka , Bahrain , Israel, Jordan ,Kuwait, Lebanon and UAE  participated in the program .

Press communiqué [top]

GEFONT Pays homage to GP Koirala

March 21- On sad demise of Nepali Congress Party's President and the former Prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala GEFONT called on an emergency meeting of National Office Bearers' (NOB) today, Presided by its president Bishnu Rimal, the meeting adopted a resolution paying heartfelt tribute to Late Koirala.
 
"GEFONT, on half of its all affiliates, members and entire working class, pays heartfelt tribute and expresses deep sorrow to founder leader of Nepali trade union movement, President of Nepali Congress and former Prime minister late Girija Prasad Koirala"; the press communiqué issued by GEFONT reads.
 
 
More>>>>> More On GPK

GEFONT Pays homage to Shiva Prasad Rimal

April 02-GEFONT pays heartfelt homage to Shiva Prasad Rimal, Father of GEFONT President Bishnu Rimal.
He suddenly passed away on April 01, 2010 at the age of 76 due to the problem caused by high blood pressure .

GEFONT is shocked by the untimely demise of Shiva Prasad Rimal.

On behalf of GEFONT-NEC, its Affiliates and entire family we extend condolence with grief to Com.Bishnu Rimal and the bereaved family.

GEFONT observes 'International Commemoration Day'

April 28- “International Commemoration Day-28 April” has been observed by International Labour Movement in memory of 28 workers, who lost life in an accident during construction of building in Bridgeport, USA on 28 April, 1987. In this day, Trade Unions all over the world rememorize the workers who died, injured or fell ill due to unsafe, unhealthy work and workplaces.
 
USA and Canada have been marking International Commemoration Day since 1989 and United Nations formally declared to mark it on 1996. On the Occasion of 15th International Commemoration Day, GEFONT extends sentimental tribute & heartfelt condolence to all workers and their families who lost life and wishes recovery to the injured ones.
 
Occupational accident and diseases have been increasing day by day. According to ILO, every year 2.2 million workers die due to work related accidents and1.7 million workers die due to occupational diseases whereas 27 million workers are injure by occupational accidents. Likewise, 1.7 million workers are affected by occupational diseases Lungs-infection due to dust is another cause of death. Miscarriage among women and male infertility have been witnessed among 1 hundred thousand workers every year.
 
Condition of our country is being more vulnerable compared to other countries.
 
Even Ministry of Health doesn’t have any reliable information on types of occupational diseases and death of workers from it. In Nepal, there is no medical doctor & even a single specialist on occupational disease.
 
Full text >>>>>>

GEFONT/CONEP release a press communiqué

April 29 - GEFONT/CONEP  has  released a press communiqué on the occasion of May Day 2010.

The communiqué reads “May 1st is the Day which is closely attached with the lives and spirit of the workers of the world. This is the Day of the Struggle and celebration  as well.  May Day is also for the review of past achievements and plan for future.
 
We are in a phase of new New Nepal As a result of crucial role played by working class in the People’s Movement -the April uprising of 2006. Our demands to Constituent Assembly are -Right  to work for all ,Right  to Wage ,Right to Freedom and Right to equality. Our demands for Government-Restructuring of State for Social transformation. Social transformation for Peace, Equality, Social Justice, Workers’ representation and Participation.
 
Thus, in new constitution, Freedom of Association and Collective bargaining, Right to strike, Right to Employment, Right to Fair labour Practice should be ensured as Fundamental Rights.” 
 Communiqué further reads”  Our Long term goal is Pro-Worker Oriented constitution with inclusion iof Rights, Representation and Welfare Program. Our destination is Socialism for prosperous life!  We are moving ahead towards this goal .So , Clear mandate of peoples movement is The Constitution with guarantee of Peace and Progressive way forward. So we appeal to all political party to reach into National consensus on this agenda.”
 
Full text of press release >>>>>>

Maoist vandalises ITWAN-GEFONT Office at Gorkha District

May 6 - GEFONT condemns the Maoists brutal attack in Gorkha District Office of Independent Transport Worker’s Association of Nepal

During their general strike called for indefinite period, Maoist cadres suddenly entered with weapons and attacked the office damaging the property and furnitures.

ITWAN Zonal Committee and GEFONT Gandaki Zonal Committee issued statement condemning this unethical act of Maoists and demanded for immediate action by the concerned Government authorities.

National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates Unions [top]

First National Conference of Nepal Home-based Workers Union concludes

March.13- First National Conference of GEFONT's youngest affiliates-Nepal Home-based Workers Union (NEHWU) has been concluded in Kathmandu with slogan “Social Justice and Decent Work–Campaigns of Home-based Workers”.

The Conference elected Com.Bindu Shrestha as a President and Com. Rajya Laxmi Shrestha as a General Secretary.

The conference has elected 15 member central committee for next four years.

Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues.

Addressing the Ceremony as the Chief Guest Com.Umesh Upadhyaya,the Secretary General of GEFONT said that “Nepali Women Workers are highly abused, deprived from rights and facing extreme Social Oppression.Secretary General emphasized that Women Workers should be organised in trade union to fight jointly against every kind of abuses, social oppression & discrimination to make Decent & Prosperous life for Women Workers.”

NEHWU is one of the youngest GEFONT affiliates registered as 165th federation in the country.This Federation has more than 1030 members engaged for waving socks, sweaters, spinning wools,cotton, embroidering,making insane, candles,pickles etc.The nature of this federation is mainly women dominated and self-employed

Sixth National Conference of Nepal Independent Workers Union concludes

March.15 –Sixth National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates- Nepal Independent Workers Union has been concluded in industrial city -Birgunj.

The Conference elected Com.Dinesh Rai as a President and Com. Amrit Lal Shrestha as a new General Secretary.The conference has elected 16 member Central Committee for next four years.

The Conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest com.Bishnu Rimal President of GEFONT.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including its Constituent, Organizational Report and Financial Report .

This Federation is one of the major among the four founder Federations of GEFONT and has been registered as the first Trade Union Federation on 24 November, 1994.

First National Conference of National Beauticians' Union of Nepal concludes

March 20 –First National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates-National Beauticians' Union of Nepal (NABUN) has been concluded in Pokhara.
The Conference elected Com.Mina Gurung as a New President and Com.Pampha Pahari as a new General Secretary. The conference has elected 16 member Central Committee for next four years.
The Conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest com.Bishnu Rimal President of GEFONT.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including Organisational  and Financial Report.
NABUN is the Federation for the workers of beauty parlour and cosmetics sectors.Since such businesses have been thriving in the urban areas, the number of workers in the field is remarkably increasing.Both self-employed and wager-labours are associated in the Federation. This has been remained as one of the Federations of informal sector.

 Fifth National Conference of Independent Garbage Cleaners' Union of Nepal concludes

March 24- Fifth National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates- Independent Garbage Cleaners' Union of Nepal (IGCUN) has been concluded in Katmandu .

The Conference elected Com.Madan Deula as a President and Com.Sharada Pode as a General Secretary.
The conference has elected 13 member central committee for next four years.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including its Constituent, Organisational Report and Financial Report .

Addressing the Ceremony as the Chief Guest Com.Bishnu Rimal,President of GEFONT said that “IGCUN should organise the workers who clean and collect garbage in villages, offices, Hospitals, private offices, private homes etc.” President further stated GEFONT is campaigning on Decent Work,labour Rights, Represetation of the Workers In Constitution making stage and also creating pressure for the ratification of ILO Convention No.87 as well as establishing  Social Security system in Nepal.He also urged all workers to express their Solidarity and raise the voices on this demands.

IGCUN has been affiliated with GEFONT since its inception and it has been globally affiliated with one of the International trade union Federation ICEM in  August 2003.

First National Conference of Nepal Security Service Trade Union concludes

March.27-First National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates-Nepal Security Service Trade Union (NSSTU) has been concluded in Kathmandu.

The Conference elected Com.Ganesh Shrestha as a President and Com.Madan Pokhrel as a General Secretary.

The conference has elected 14 member central committee for next four years.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues .

Addressing the Ceremony as the Chief Guest Com.Bishnu Rimal, President of GEFONT said that“GEFONT is launching a campaign for the establishment of Social Security Fund. Nepali workers, who are also respectable citizens of this country, are loosing their job and facing livelihood problem. Medical allowances, Unemployment allowance, protection of dependents including retirement pension and other facilities should be guaranteed for the workers both formal and informal employment by establish Social Security Fund “. He also urged all workers to express their Solidarity in this campaign.

There are thousands of workers in security service in various privately run security companies.They have been employed from private houses to offices,banks, and even in the missions of United Nations.To raise the organised voice to increase the salary and benefits, the union was established in 2004 and has been registered under the department of labour as the 127th federation.

Fourth National Conference of Nepal Independent Chemical & Iron Workers'Union concludes

April 05–Fourth National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates- Nepal Independent Chemical & Iron Workers' Union (NICIWU) has been concluded in Birgunj.

The Conference elected Com.Jogilal Yadav  as a New President and Com.Ananda Thami  as a new General Secretary. The conference has elected 17 members Central Committee for next four years.
The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including its Constituent, Organisational and Financial Report.

The Conference was kicked-off on April 03 .Thousands  of workers across the country participated in rally which was started  at 10 am from “Clock Tower”of Birgunj and converged inaugural session at Town Hall of Birgunj Municipality .
 
Addressing the Ceremony as the Chief Guest Com.Umesh Upadhyaya  said that Labour Right , Right to Social Protection should institutionalized through the Constitution.
 In the inaugural ceremony, various speakers, including Chairperson of CA  committee on Fundamental rights and Directive principles of the State  Binda Pandey extended their best wishes for the grand success of the Conference. On the occasion,Solidarity message of Bro. Manfred Warda - the General Secretary of ICEM was also communicated.

This Federation has been internationally affiliated with, global union federation related to chemicals,minerals and energy sectors- the International Chemical, Energy, Mining and General Workers' Federation (ICEM) since June 2000.

 
Third National Conference of Nepal Street Vendors Union concludes

April 07–Third National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates- Nepal Street Vendors Union (NEST) has been concluded in Kathmandu .

The Conference elected Com.Narayan Neupane as a President and Com.Kumar Sapkota as a General Secretary.The conference has elected 26 members Central Committee for next four years.

The Conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest com.Binod Shrestha  Senior Vice President of GEFONT.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including Organisational and Financial Report.
In the inaugural ceremony,various speakers including  Udhav KC Vice president of GEFONT,Umesh Upadhyaya Secretary General of GEFONT and Sibailly M. Douhouré from StreetNet International extended their best wishes for the grand success of the Conference.

Fourth National Conference of Federation of Agricultural Workers, Nepal concludes

April 09–Fourth National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates- Federation of Agricultural Workers,Nepal (FAWN) has been concluded in Hetauda.

The Conference elected Com.Kalyani Khadka  as a new President and Com.Madan Rimal as a General Secretary. The conference has elected 25 members Central Committee for next four years.

The Conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest com.Binod Shrestha   senior Vice President of GEFONT.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including Organisational and Financial Report.
 

This Union Covers all theworkers of Agricultural field like plough man, shepherds, farmers, farm workers including wage or ontract agri-workers. At present, the union has its hold upon 6 zonal committees, 23 district committees, one central Women Department, some district women department, 64 Area Committees and 204 Village Committees.
Fifth National Conference of Nepal Independent Carpet Workers'Union concludes

April10–Fifth National Conference of GEFONT's affiliates-Nepal

Independent Carpet Workers'Union (NICWU) has been concluded in Kathmandu with slogan “Social protection and Decent Work for prosperous Life’’
 
The Conference elected Com.Yuba Raj Jirel as  new President and Com.Sita Lama  as  General Secretary.
 
The conference has elected 15 members Central Committee for next four years.The conference has also elected Com.Tulasi Siwakoti as a chief of Delegates Council.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including Organisational and Financial Report.

At the end of the ceremony, NICWU-Central Committee honored the senior Vice President Com. Binod Shrestha for his valuable contribution for the establishment and lead for past one &  half decade of NICWU.
 

NICWU is also one of the affiliates of Global Union Federations-the ITGLWF from October,2003.

Eighth National Conference of Independent Transport Workers' Association of Nepal concludes

April12 - Eighth National Conference of GEFONT's largest affiliates- Independent Transport Workers'Association of Nepal (ITWAN) has been concluded in Kathmandu.
 
The Conference elected Com.Rajeev Ghimire  as new  president and Com.  Rudra Bahadur Khatri as new  General Secretary. The conference has elected 26 member central committee for next four years.The conference has also elected  Com.Bidur Karki as a chief of Delegates Council and Com. Narayan Prasad Bhattarai as a Deputy Chief of Delegates Council.
 
The Conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest com. Binod Shresth Senior Vice President of GEFONT.
 
Conference has adopted 11 points important resolutions of public concern issues.
 
Altogether 450 conference delegates across the country and 2 international guests from  South Asia and South Africa  Trade unions organizations.
 
The Conference was kicked-off on 11 April in Kathmandu.

In the inaugural ceremony, various speakers including  Udhav KC Vice president of GEFONT, Umesh Upadhyaya Secretary General of GEFONT , Michale Denish  President of  South Asia Transport Workers Union and Mahendra Sharma , General Secreatary of International Transport Workers Federation extended their best wishes for the grand success of the Conference.
 
ITWAN, as a first and dynamic federation of transporters, has been registered as Third Federation in Department of Labour. This is one of the four founder members of GEFONT as well.
Of about 400,000 workers of Transportation sector, a remarkable number of workers are organised under this Federation, which has been expanded up to 13 Zones, except the remote Karnali.
Internationally, ITWAN has been affiliated with International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)

Fourth National Conference of Nepal Auto-Mechanics Trade Union concludes

April 19 - Fourth National Conference of GEFONT’s affiliates- Nepal Auto-Mechanics Trade Union (NATU) has been concluded at Kathmandu .
 
The Conference elected Com.Madhav Pandey as president and Com. Pradeep Ghimire as new General Secretary. The conference has elected 25 member central committee   for next four years.
 
The Conference which was held at National Theatre Jamal, was inaugurated by Chief Guest Com. Bishnu Rimal, President of GEFONT.
 
Similarly, Ram Naresh Singh ,Coordinator - Transport and Allied Sector Union Council and  Bro. Muhammad Aslam Adil  General Sceretary of Pakistan Trade Union PFBWW extended their best wishes for the grand success of the Conference.
 
During the ceremony , Representative of 'Purbanchal  Lube Oil'(PLO) handed over cheque of one hundred thousand  to  President Com. Madhav Pandey for workers welfare fund  run by Nepal Auto-Mechanics Trade Union.

The Conference has adopted various important resolutions of public concern issues including Organisational and Financial Report.
 
NATU, the only union of its kind, is dedicated to the workshop workers, who repair automobiles and motorbikes. It came into existence by merging two separate national federations related to automobile sector as well as motorbike repairing workshop. It was established in April 1993 and is registered as a National Federation at the office of the Registrar.