KATHMANDU: A recent report from the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) reveals a concerning trend: 21.7% of industrial enterprises in Nepal are not paying their laborers the minimum wage, marking a six percent increase from previous years.

Unveiling the Labour Audit Report- 2080 BS in a press conference, GEFONT highlighted the stark realities facing laborers and daily wage workers in Nepal.

Despite the government setting the minimum wage at Rs 17,300 per month, the report indicates a critical situation regarding its implementation.

According to GEFONT’s findings, the situation has deteriorated compared to previous years. In 2079 BS, 15.30% of industrial establishments failed to pay the minimum wage.

This figure rose to 21.7% in 2080 BS. Additionally, a staggering 72.6% of companies did not provide minimum wage and overtime perks to workers hired through labor outsourcing companies in 2080 BS.

The report warns that the exploitation of laborers is reaching a critical point.

While the Labour Act-2074 BS stipulates that workers cannot be forced to work more than eight hours a day and 48 hours a week, effective implementation remains lacking.

On a relatively positive note, the report indicates a decrease in industries employing child labor. In 2079 BS, industries employing children as workers stood at 0.75%, decreasing to 0.6% in 2080 BS.

GEFONT’s President, Binod Shrestha, read out a 25-point declaration prepared by the union ahead of International Labour Day on May 1.

The declaration includes demands for an orientation session for laborers about the social security fund, strict implementation of minimum wage provisions, and removal of provisions hindering cases against forceful labor court transfers, among others.

Janmadev Jaisi, Chairperson of the Working Journalist Association, attributed the economic crisis in the country to the syndicate system in the industry and political instability.

He emphasized that these factors disproportionately affect daily wage workers.

The union’s efforts to address lax implementation of the Labour Act-2074 BS underscore the urgent need to secure the welfare of workers in Nepal.