An Asia-Pacific level program on challenges in the world of work and their solutions, organized by 3F Denmark, began in Kathmandu on August 20, 2025.

Speaking at the event, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) Patron Bishnu Rimal stated that exploitation of workers continues in the labour world, but it has changed from the past. He explained that the use of the internet and AI technology is now enabling the exploitation of workers across the globe.

Patron Rimal emphasized that trade unions must change their policies, laws, and tools to cope with this new situation, adding that the effectiveness of trade unions can contribute to transforming not only the working class but society as a whole.

GEFONT President Binod Shrestha welcomed the participants and highlighted the current state of the labour movement and the responsibilities of the trade union movement.

Speakers at the program included BWI Asia-Pacific Coordinator Apolino Tolentino (Dong), IndustriALL representative Asutosh, and senior South Asian trade unionist Sultan, among others. The session was facilitated by 3F Asia Coordinator Buddhi Acharya.

On the first day of the three-day program, GEFONT General Secretary Laxman Sharma presented a working paper on GEFONT’s new initiatives for the protection of workers’ rights and interests in the changing world of work.

For more photos of the program, click the link below:

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On August 19, 2025, the Nepal Health Volunteers’ Association (NEVA), affiliated with GEFONT, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Hon. Yam Lal Kadel.

The memorandum, led by NEVA Central Member Bhimu Rijal, along with Birendranagar Municipality Chairperson Menaka Acharya and other leaders, called for including health volunteers in the Contribution-Based Social Security Fund, among other demands.

The General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), Bagmati Province President Ram Hari Nepal, extended congratulations and best wishes to the newly appointed Minister Thapa on behalf of the province, while also offering suggestions regarding the problems and solutions seen in the labour market.

On August 19, 2025, the Bagmati Province Coordination Committee of the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC) and members of the Labour Advisory Council extended congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure to Hon. Minister Jayaram Thapa, newly appointed Minister for Labour, Employment, and Transport of Bagmati Province.

On August 19, 2025, the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) Panauti Municipality Committee organized a Teej program.

Speaking at the event, GEFONT Bagmati Province President Ram Hari Nepal stressed the need to establish a labour desk at the municipal level, ensure workers’ registration, and create pressure to enroll workers in the contribution-based Social Security Fund to guarantee the rights of women workers.

At the program, CPN-UML Panauti Municipal Committee President Suresh Humagain emphasized that Teej should be celebrated as a festival to experience freedom and be aware of labor rights.

Chaired by Kalpana Thapa and conducted by Rita Tamang, the program also featured best wishes speeches from GEFONT Province Women’s Committee President Shanti Karki and District Secretary Shyam Sapkota.

On August 17, 2025, the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) conducted a training on gender-based violence and equality at the workplace for garbage cleaners.

The training, held in Mahalaxmi Municipality, Lalitpur District, was facilitated by Nepal Garbage Cleaners Workers’ Employee Union (NGCEU) President Mohan Nepali and GEFONT Program Coordinator Shankar Ghimire.

On the occasion of Haritalika Teej 2082, the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) National Women’s Committee organized a greetings exchange and felicitation program on 18 August 2025.

Speaking at the event, GEFONT President Binod Shrestha stated that GEFONT has always celebrated Teej, focusing on the class-based movement. He expressed best wishes on the occasion of Teej, adding that if everyone continues engaging in the movement from their own roles, success can be achieved.

During the program, Honourable Bindu Shrestha, member of the GEFONT Parliamentary and Local Coordination Council and Minister for Industry, Commerce, Land and Administration of Bagmati Province, was honoured by the GEFONT National Women’s Committee.

Accepting the felicitation, Minister Shrestha stated that cooperation from the trade union movement is indispensable in making the industry and commerce sector labour-friendly. She highlighted the need for GEFONT’s support and expressed her commitment that, as a GEFONT cadre, she would never engage in any activity that would tarnish the organization’s reputation.

Chairing the program, GEFONT National Women’s Committee Chairperson Sita Lama urged everyone to break social malpractices and bad customs, mobilize working women into the organization, and contribute to building an egalitarian society.

The program was conducted by National Women’s Committee Secretary Vijaya Khadka, while Vice-Chairperson Kamala Tamang delivered the welcome remarks.

Click on the link below for more photos of the event.

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