Nearly 50 textile industries in southern industrial town of Birgunj — that remained closed since Thursday for an indefinite period due to the dispute between management and trade unions– have resumed operations from Sunday.

The industries resumed operation after the trade unions agreed to find solution of their demands through talks.

Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) decided to shut down industries to pressurize the trade unions to come for talks in their demands of minimum wage, formation of a new labour act and issues of appointment letters.

Talking to Nepalnews on Monday, vice-president of BCCI, Sushil Mittal said that they decided to reopen the industries after the trade unions agreed to sit for talks.

He informed that both sides agreed to find the solution through talks. “We asked all four trade unions, Nepali Congress (NC) affiliated Nepal Trade Union Congress, CPN UML affiliated General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (Gefont), NC (Democratic) affiliated Democratic Confederation of Nepalese Trade Unions and Maoist affiliated trade union to make common agendas and come for talks to resolve the problems in the sector,” he added.

He however informed that some six to seven industries that were closed since two weeks ago are yet to resume operations. These industries closed down operation after the trade unions raised their demands.

He alleged that the trade unions are making unnecessary demands to gain cheap support from the labourers.

However, Gorkha Brewery of Nawalparasi and Himalayan Snacks and Noodles of Kavrepalanchowk that were closed since Thursday due to the dispute between the management and trade unions are yet to resume operations.

Talking to Nepalnews, proprietor of two industries, Rajendra Khetan, said that the industries are yet to resume operation, as the trade unions are yet to call off their strike.