At a time when the
country is trying to attract investment to propel economic growth, frequent
disturbances in operating industries will, however, help fuel capital flight
from the country, according to private sector leaders.
"Politically
motivated strikes will force industries to close down and fuel capital
flight," said president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FNCCI) Suraj Vaidya, here, today.
The private sector has
always been used as a bait by political parties to bargain with the government,
he said, urging the agitating trade unions to come to the table for talks, if
they have any problem with employers. "Any solution should be found
through legal and democratic means and not by resorting to unlawful means like
vandalism and threats."
The frequent attacks
will discourage the private sector, forcing them to close down industries that
are generating employment for thousands, added Vaidya.
The strikes by
politically motivated trade unions have also been curtailing the right of
economic freedom of other workers, who are working to earn a living for their
family.
Economic freedom — that
is also a basic human right — is a personal choice, voluntary exchange, freedom
to compete in markets, and protection of person and property. But lack of law
and order in the country and over politicisation of trade unions have not only
curtailed the right to economic freedom but also defamed trade unions that were
instituted for collective bargaining power of labourers.
The private sector
condemns forceful strikes and donation terror that have been disturbing
industrial relations, though we respect the right to protest and collective
bargaining through lawful means, Vaidya said. "The trade unions should be
made to pay compensation for the damages they cause if they resort to
vandalism."
Director of Lomus Herbal
Research Centre Prajjwal Jung Pandey, on the occasion, briefed about the
attacks on his research centre yesterday by the CPN-Maoist affiliated All Nepal
Revolutionary Federation of Trade Union, that had called for a two-day strike,
curtailing the right of protection against unemployment of other workers.
However, physical
attacks, intimidation, threats and forceful donation drives have become a
common feature recently also due to the government's failure to enforce law and
order.
"The current
proposed minimum wage hike is 50 per cent more than the average inflation of
the last two years," the private sector players said, adding that the
Minimum Wage Fixation Committee — that has members representing employers,
employees and government — had recommended the minimum wage after a series of
consultations with trade unions. "Any trade union that does not agree with
the recommendation has a right to protest but they have no right to resort to
vandalism."
The umbrella
organisation of the private sector has asked the government to take strong
action against the attackers and treat them as criminals for breaking the law
of the land by attacking industries and destroying property.
Series of incidents
* Attack on president of
Nepal Bankers' Association Rajan Singh Bhandari on January 7
* Attack on managing
director of Hotel Radisson BK Shrestha on March 15
* Attack on telecom
service provider Ncell on March 19
* Attack on vice
president of FNCCI Pashupati Murarka on April 23
* Attack on Lomus Herbal
Research Centre on June 6
* Attack on Chaudhary
Group on June 6
* Forced donation
terror for students election that has been postponed 
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