Trade union dialogue with civil society in Nepal

Dr. Shiva Sharma

Background

In the developing countries, the role of the civil society and nongovernmental organisations (CSOs and NGOs) is becoming increasingly more important as agents of change and development. In Nepal, these organisations have proliferated, particularly following the restoration of democracy in 1990. This growth owes principally to three major factors. One is the general failure of the state machinery to reach the large proportion of the poor and deprived sections of the population, despite the provisions in the constitution for the promotion of a democratic, just and equitable society. Second, the society witnesses a worsening trend in the already poor state of governance, making a mockery of the basic features of 'good governance' such as transparency, accountability and rule of law. Third, and in view of the first two factors, funding agencies have placed growing confidence in the civil society and NGOs as alternative vehicles to channel essential services to the needy people.

Currently, there are over ten thousand registered NGOs of which one-tenth are actively involved in social and economic upliftment of the people (NESAC 1998). Their work domain mainly encompasses thematic and target group oriented areas such as poverty reduction, environmental conservation and gender equity. Their actions are targeted mostly to the poor and deprived sections, the dalits (so called untouchables) and children. Operating mainly through groups, NGOs strive to make a positive impact on the adverse situation faced by the target population.

The civil society organizations on the other hand generally pursue longer term objectives aimed at correcting the structural gaps and behavioral anomalies. They are more concerned with the process of delivery of good and services, and less on delivery itself. These organisations aspire to reform the process so that the normal channels of delivery work. In that sense, CSOs focus more on macro level issues and meso level realities, rather than on direct delivery to the target population at the micro level. Unlike NGOs, CSOs are people based and politically motivated. They also prefer to work through groups and emphasise group solidarity. Compared to NGOs, CSOs are a more powerful means of forming opinions and influencing the wider structural and behavioral issues.

Trade unions (TUs) resemble NGOs in terms of pursuing short term objectives of welfare of their constituents, the labourers. They are active in the day-to-day issues relating to wage rates and working conditions of labourers. They are closer to the CSOs in that they seek to reform the environment in which the labour class ekes out its livelihood. They are concerned with issues that influence and impinge upon the environment that shapes the work relationships. TUs in Nepal work in both the spheres of immediate concern such as terms and conditions of work, and longer term concerns such as meso and macro economic environment governing the welfare of the workers.

Because of the shared concerns and objectives, TUs are closer to the civil organizations than NGOs in their working style and solidarity. TUs are also likely to derive ideas and leadership support from CSOs, thus indicating the need for closer collaboration between the two. This paper empirically examines whether this is indeed the case. The case of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) is examined. In the next section, GEFONT's working relationship with the NGOs is documented. In the third section, the past and current connections of its office bearers are traced. Finally, implications are derived reinforcing the need to enhance support to civil organizations and NGOs also to strengthen the trade unions.

GEFONT and Its Working Relationship with CSOs and NGOs

GEFONT came into existence in 1995 as the first confederation of trade unions. Thereafter, two more confederations have been registered in Nepal. GEFONT is the largest confederation with 15 national federations, with a share of 60 percent of over half a million membership. The membership is distributed in industries, service sector, agriculture and other informal sectors such as tea plantations, construction, garbage collection and rickshaw pulling (GEFONT 2000).

"Socialism for dignified working class with prosperous life" is the vision of GEFONT. The mission statement (GEFONT 2000) includes both the short and long term concerns and structural considerations as follows: (i) build awareness in the working class on rights and responsibilities; (ii) strengthen unified pro-worker trade unionism; (iii) eliminate feudalistic production relationships; (iv) foster international solidarity of the working class against capitalist globalization; (v) strengthen the role of the working class in social movement; and (vi) assist in the establishment of people's pluralistic democratic political system.

In its mission to foster a dignified working class, GEFONT has been collaborating with CSOs and NGOs in areas relating to labour issues and labour rights and education. International agencies having broad areas of collaboration with it are listed in Box 1. In general, international collaboration is on global issues such as awareness, education and solidarity building.

Box 1: GEFONT Collaboration with International Organisations

Collaboration with the national NGOs is mainly concentrated in specific issues such as child labour, bonded labour, minimum wages and macro policy issues. Major national NGOs collaborating with GEFONT on broad areas is listed in Box 2. The general policy of GEFONT has been to collaborate with NGOs in pro-worker activities and programs. GEFONT has felt that a project approach pushed by the NGOs in labour issues often dilutes the key issues. There is a need to comprehensively understand the issues and take them up with a sense of purpose.

Box 2: GEFONT Collaboration with National Organisations

GEFONT Membership and Connection with CSOs and NGOs

A brief questionnaire was administered to 110 executive members of federation of GEFONT in which inquiry was made whether they were and are associated with a CSO or NGO, and if yes, in what capacity. Sixty percent of the members returned the completed questionnaires. Eight percent reported current association with CSOs and 28 percent were attached with NGOs. The member reporting such affiliation in the past (before joining the trade union) was 26 percent for the CSOs and 23 percent for the NGOs.

The current affiliation is mostly in the form of serving as an executive member, or in fulfilling a leadership role. Of the total affiliations reported, four in five are either in an executive role or in leadership position. The remaining one in five are employees or hold a general membership status.

Table1: Affiliation and Attitude towards CSOs and NGOs

Source: Survey results.

Five percent of the members are against GEFONT working with CSOs or NGOs. They opined that such collaboration dilutes the purpose and drive of the trade union. An overwhelming majority (95%) favored collaboration. There were multiple reasons reported in support of collaboration. Nearly nine out of ten (87%) mentioned similarity in objectives and work, while 56 percent reported that there was scope for mutual learning. About one-third (32%) saw the possibility of supplying leadership, and one-half (52%) believed that such an association enhances the people's base of trade unionism.

Conclusion and Implications

GEFONT has been closely collaborating with the CSOs and NGOs on issues of labour welfare and environment in which labour relationships evolve and gain shape. Its dominant concern is regarding the medium and long term structural issues.

An examination of the connection of GEFONT membership revealed that a large proportion of the members is connected with the CSOs and NGOs. Indeed, they have also been the source of supply of leadership in GEFONT, and vice versa. An overwhelming majority of GEFONT membership endorse working with the CSOs and NGOs. GEFONT is poised to benefit with the gradual expansion and strengthening of the civil society organizations.

References

NESAC, 1998. Nepal: Human Development Report 1998. Nepal South Asia Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal.

GEFONT, 2000. Glorious The Years of Our Struggle. General Federation of Nepal Trade Unions, Kathmandu, Nepal.