Government Monitors Trade Union Activities Closely, Potential for Action Under Strict Oversight

Summary: The government has annulled civil servants’ trade unions through an ordinance, yet employee organizations continue active operations. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has expressed readiness to take necessary action, monitoring employee group activities closely. Meanwhile, the employee organizations have issued warnings of protests, demanding the restoration of trade unions and have threatened phased agitation if the government does not reverse its decision.

Kathmandu, 22 Baisakh – Despite the government’s abolition of civil servants’ trade unions via ordinance, employee organizations have been systematically maintaining their activities. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has indicated it is closely monitoring these developments and prepared to take strict measures as needed.

Following the issuance of the ‘Ordinance to Amend Certain Acts’ by President Ramchandra Paudel on Sunday, the arrangement for employees’ trade unions was officially nullified. Although the Civil Service Act prohibits any form of employee organizations, several party-affiliated employee groups released a statement on Monday. Due to these statements issued under the name of government employees, the ministry has taken the matter seriously and increased surveillance.

An official from the ministry remarked, ‘The Civil Service Act 2049 is overseen by this ministry and explicitly bans employee trade unions. Employees must focus on serving the public rather than participating in party politics. If such activities continue, we will take stringent action as necessary.’ Since the ordinance invalidates all types of employee organizations, the ministry has stated that it will seek explanations and issue warnings if any further statements or activities are conducted under employee organization names.

The chairpersons of several prominent employee groups, including Bhawani Nyaupane Dahal of Nepal Civil Servants Organization, Uttam Kumar Kutuwal of Nepal Civil Servants Union, Ambadatt Bhatt of Nepal National Civil Servants Organization, Yam Bahadur Khatri of Unified Government Employees Organization, Vijay Kumar Yadav acting chair of Nepal Madhesi Civil Servants Forum, and Sita Gurung of Independent Civil Service Employees Organization, have jointly demanded reinstatement of trade union rights in their statement.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in a statement released on Tuesday morning, emphasized that the decision to abolish trade unions was not targeted against any party but was an effort to preserve the system. He stated, ‘This is not against any political party; it is a step taken to protect the system and the future. It will free the country from partisan control and bring institutions into a proper framework. It aims to eliminate partisan influence from education and employee systems.’

After six employee organizations warned of agitation if trade unions are not restored during a meeting on Monday, the ministry has taken this threat very seriously. Sources within the ministry said, ‘We are monitoring activities conducted under employee organization names and have held discussions on the matter.’ Given that trade unions have been abolished, the ministry has assured that it will take appropriate action against any organized activities.

The six employee organizations have threatened phased protests if their demand to revoke the abolition of trade unions is not met. They have collectively issued a statement urging the government to reinstate trade union rights. They warned that if the government disregards their demands, they will collaborate with all relevant parties to engage in phased nationwide agitation, including legal measures.