A trade union delegation comprised of [spell out] GEFONT along with NTUC, DECONT and four other trade unions organizations called on Prime Minister G.P. Koirala on 24 May in his official residence. The delegation handed over a memorandum to the PM and asked him to repeal Essential Services Act (ESA)-1957 immediately, which has been imposed on 15 different trade, industries and services since 16 April this year.

‘This act is only applicable against workers, not applicable to checking anarchy instigated by various forces of destabilization nor to stopping strikes launched by various political groupings and even employers. Why is the Government of Nepal attacking the unions who are constructively supporting 8-party coalition government, even when they are maintaining law and order?’ 

GEFONT Chair Com. Neupane asked, ‘Why is the democratic Government exceeding cover of the ESA compared to the Royal regime? What factor has compelled you to impose the ESA in this untimely way?’

NTUC President Bro. Basnet briefed the PM about the content of the Memorandum on behalf of the delegation- ‘we have four major points…first, repeal ESA, second, stop atrocities by Maoists YCL, third, form a Labour Commission as mentioned in the Interim Statute and fourth, stop the process of establishing SEZs.’

In response, the PM accepted that the imposition of ESA was untimely and unnecessary. He assured that he would put agenda in the cabinet meeting to lift ESA and form a Labour Commission.

Last year as well, on 24 May, a delegation led by three presidents—GEFONT Chair Com. Neupane, NTUC president Bro. Basnet and DECONT Act. President Bro. K.N Dahal—had handed over a memorandum demanding to address various labour related agendas. Out of many issues requested, three have been met: revision of minimum wage, public holiday on March 8 and May 1st, and inclusion of trade union issues in the interim constitution.