Trade Union Activities Decline in Nepal Amidst Government Pressure and Outsourcing
Summary
Trade union activity has sharply declined across Nepal’s public institutions, government banks and private sector amid government pressure, legal uncertainty and the rise of outsourcing. Union leaders say workers’ collective bargaining rights are being weakened as ministries and managements discourage organization and representation.
Key Points
- Trade union activity has slowed markedly in public institutions, government-owned banks and enterprises across Nepal.
- Union leaders say government pressure and fear created by ministry directives have weakened collective bargaining and union representation.
- Outsourcing in the private sector is making it harder for workers to organize, with lower-level staff often hired through third-party companies.
- The report says global shifts such as the gig economy, informal labor and AI are further weakening union movements.
