On the occasion of Migrant day 2016, GEFONT Department of Foreign Affairs issues a press note and congratulates all migrant workers who leave their country for better jobs. In the statement, GEFONT urge government of Lebanon to release Ms. Rojimaya Limbu without delay. She was arrested by government of Lebanon last week. The authority accused that she was involve in rescuing a domestic workers who is exploited by her employer. Similarity in the same allegation,   Ms. Suzana (sushila) Rana also deported from Lebanon last week.

In the statement, GEFONT also request government of of Nepal to create safe and decent working environment to workers working abroad. For the purpose, bilateral agreement should have with all destination country and that must be prepared as transparent manner.

 GEFONT urge that migrant workers should not be discriminated and should be protected by National law. Workers should have at least minimum wage, basic facility including social security.  They should have right to remit their earning through banking system.

During the recruitment workers should be free from all kind of recruitment fees and related cost and they should have access to justice in a free and fair manner, including easy exit when they want to leave the job. And most importantly, they have right to organize and bargaining collectively.
 

GEFONT has expressed sorrow and deep concerned to lost due to floods and landslides triggered by the torrential rainfall in various parts of the country. Releasing a  Press Communiqué, GEFONT sternly demanded the Nepal Government for immediate  rescue & distribution of  the  relief materials to the victims. GEFONT further demanded the Government for  pressure to open the Koshi Barrage Gates to stop any more distruction.

A Press Communiqué reads “ In this difficult situation, GEFONT request all its members and well wishers to invovle in relief &  rescue operation in their respective places.”

Over  70 persons were killed,  more than 50 persons were mising & the Hundreds of families have been displaced after the floodwater gushed into the human settlement in most parts of Tarai region.

Speaking in the Leading Activist Training Programme organised by GEFONT and ANTUF Unity Coordination Committee in Kathmandu, GEFONT President Binod Shrestha declared GEFONT & ANTUF's joint commitment and joint Statement.

On the Occasion, President Shrestha welcomed all activists and said “Two Unions established in different circumstances have been in process of merger after a decade long cooperation.” He informed about trade unions initiation to develop and adopt new labour law and social security act. 

President Shrestha further informed about Trade unions initiation to increase minimum wage and first time in history successful to increase 39% minimum wage. He also requested everyone to be alert about negative propaganda to weaken the current Government. Quoting “Unity is Strength “President urged all members of both unions to be united and conduct joint programme at workplaces.

3000 leading Activists of both Unions throughout the Country participated in the first joint programme. Earlier, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Union (GEFONT) and All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) had jointly created 11 members GEFONT/ANTUF Unity Coordination Committee under the presidency of GEFONT President Binod Shrestha.

Nepal Government has signed a memorandum of understanding on recruitment, employment and repatriation of workers with the Malaysian government on 29th October 2018, in Kathmandu.

Releasing a Press Communiqué, GEFONT has welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Nepal Government and the government of the Malaysia. GEFONT Press Communiqué signed by GEFONT Secretary General Jank Chaudhary reads “this is the positive development for Nepali migrant workers it has addressed the recruitment, employment and repatriation of workers.

As per the agreement, employer companies will bear recruitment service charges, two-way airfare, visa fee, health check-up, security screening and levy charges, among others.

According to the MoU, from now on, Malaysian companeis  will pay the salaries of workers through banking channel and will have to deposit wages on the seventh day of the month. The employer company will also have to bear all expenses related to accommodation, health check-up and security, among others, during the contract period. The contract period, which used to be three years has now been reduced to two years & If an immediate family member of a worker dies in Nepal, the company will have to allow the worker to return home on leave not exceeding 15 days as per the MoU..” 

Press Communiqué further reads “As per the agreement, the Malaysian government will provide equal treatment to Nepali migrant workers with regard to health insurance, accident insurance, security and other accidents. Likewise, if a company goes bankrupt or puts undue pressure on workers then workers have the rights to change jobs, as per the act.

Kathmandu, GEFONT has said that the need for protection of migrant workers during the COVID crisis is    more essential than ever. GEFONT has also requested employers and the government to protect the rights of all workers

In a statement issued on the occasion of International Migrant Workers' Day (December 18), GEFONT General Secretary Comrade  Janak Chaudhary said that no one should be deprived of wages and employment under the pretext of COVID-19

December 18 an important day to bring the suffering and needs of migrant workers around the world. GEFONT believes that no one should be discriminated against in the value and dignity of non-discriminatory labor and skills.
The statement further  stressed the need to ensure protection and facilities for migrant workers in accordance with the laws of the destination country.

GEFONT has extended best wishes to all the workers on the occasion of Migrant Workers' Day.

The training conducted by the GEFONT to the members of affiliated unions Independent Transport workers Union Nepal (ITWAN), Nepal Auto Mechanics Trade Union (NATU), and Nepal Security Service Trade Union(NSSTU) had concluded at GEFONT continue Trade Union school.

The training of the 30th batch was inaugurated by GEFONT President Binod Shrestha on 14th September and concluded by distributing certificates of participation to the participants on September 16. Distributing the certificate of participation, GEFONT President Binod Shrestha said that the training program conducted by GEFONT for 3 trade unions with different natures of work, said that it will prove to be a milestone for the expansion and development of the organization in their respective fields.

 

In the training program, GEFONT Vice President Bidur Karki trained regarding the international trade union movement and socialism, GEFONT Vice President Janak Chaudhary trained regarding Labour law and GEFONT General Secretary Laxman Sharma trained regarding the policies and program passed by the GEFONT 8th National Congress. Likewise, Secretary of Publicity and Publication department Mahendra Lal Shrestha trained regarding information archiving.