Kathmandu The decision by the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) to abolish trade unions in the civil service sector has started to draw international attention and reactions. In particular, the Trade Unions International Public Services and Allied (TUI-PS&A), affiliated with the World Federation of Trade Unions, has sent a formal letter to the Prime Minister expressing serious dissatisfaction with the decision.

The letter, sent by Secretary-General Zola Safeta on April 19 (Baisakh 6), stated that the abolition of government employee trade unions in Nepal is a cause for concern from the perspective of democratic practice and workers' rights. According to sources from the Prime Minister's Office, the letter warns that such a move risks pushing the bureaucracy towards an 'oligarchy', which could foster a culture of division and control rather than inclusive development.

The letter claims that the abolition of trade unions curtails the fundamental rights of workers to organize, form associations, and engage in collective bargaining. It further stated that the decision devalues the rights guaranteed by Article 34 of the Nepali Constitution – 'Right to Labor' – and reminded of three key points: fair labor practices, just wages and social security, and the right to form and participate in trade unions as per law.

Although the letter mentions Article 35 in connection with labor rights, according to the constitution, Article 35 relates to the right to health. This points to the need for factual clarity amidst the international body's concerns.

Given that Nepal has ratified various conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the letter urges adherence to those commitments. TUI-PS&A has also put forth a four-point demand: to withdraw the policy of abolishing trade unions, to respect the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain, to initiate inclusive dialogue with union representatives, and to ensure the implementation of international labor standards.

The letter concludes by expressing solidarity with the civil servants of Nepal and noting that the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Nepal. It also warns that if the decision is not reversed, it will have a negative impact not only on Nepal's international image but also on internal labor relations and social stability.

Civic Views: The Pursuit of Rights, Responsibilities, and Balance

This incident raises the fundamental question of what the relationship between the state and workers should be. In a democratic system, trade unions are not just organizations; they are an institutional channel for representing workers' voices. Therefore, it is natural to suspect that completely abolishing such structures might create problems rather than solutions.

However, on the other hand, there have been frequent allegations that trade unions in Nepal have not been free from political influence, have focused on power display rather than performance, and have obstructed service delivery. This indicates a need for reform – but the debate is necessary on whether choosing the path of complete prohibition in the name of reform aligns with democratic values.

From a civic perspective, balance is key. On one hand, workers' fundamental rights must be protected, and on the other hand, public services must be effective, impartial, and accountable to the public. The solution to this should be sought through dialogue, transparency, and institutional reform.

If the government wishes to address the weaknesses observed in the unions, legal, structural, and practical reform measures can be proposed – such as: controlling political interference, strict action against activities that obstruct services, and a performance-based evaluation system.