18 Workers Unions, parties appeal to open closed industries

September 13, 2004
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A number of trade unions, workers’ unions and major political parties have appealed to the CPN (Maoist) to withdraw their call for indefinite closure of nearly 50 industries and allow them to resume their operations.

In a joint statement, 18 workers unions affiliated with major political parties have called upon the Maoist-affiliated All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), the government and entrepreneurs to create an environment whereby the industries could resume their operations.

They have also asked their members to be prepared to resume work at the industries that have been closed down following Maoist threats from September 17, if the ANTUF doesn’t withdraw its agitation by September 16.

Similarly, three major trade unions, NTUC, GEFONT and DECONT, have also appealed the ANTUF to withdraw its agitation saying that it will harm the interests of workers itself.

In a separate statement, four opposition parties including Nepali Congress, Jana Morcha Nepal, Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Anandi Devi) and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party have also appealed the ANTUF on Monday to withdraw their agitation keeping in view of the deteriorating economic situation of the country.

12 major industries of the country remain closed for the last four weeks while 34 more industries have been closed since last Friday following Maoist threats.

Meanwhile, the ANTUF is likely to call for indefinite closure of more industries in near future in the third phase to pressurize the government, Deshanter weekly reported Sunday quoting sources. The pro-Maoist trade union is yet to comment on the news report.
nepalnews.com by Sep 13 04