Strikes banned in 15 essential services

Strikes banned in 15 essential services
eKantipur.com, 7-May-07

The government has banned strikes in 15 different essential service sectors effective from April 16, according to a notice published in the Nepal Gazette.

In the notice, the Home Ministry said the government has prohibited the strikes, exercising its authority under the Essential Services Operation Act - 2014 BS.

Essential services in which the strike ban has been imposed include transport for passengers and goods; services related to the import and supply of petroleum products; health facilities and the sale and distribution of medicines; postal, telecommunications and telephone services; services related to airports and railway stations and the transportation, storage, placing and taking out of goods and cargo at government warehouses; services concerning the mint and government printing and publications; and banking and insurance services.

The ministry has also announced a ban on strikes in the government's defense system related to the manufacture, production, storage and distribution of arms and ammunition; in communications, electricity, drinking water regulation and distribution and services related to tourist accommodation such as hotels, motels, restaurants and resorts.

Likewise, the authorities have announced a ban on industrial action in services related to the collection and transport of garbage and solid waste, construction of solid waste processing and collection zones and solid waste management.

The government move comes after various parties began staging protests and strikes to press their demands, causing acute hardship to the general public.

With the ban in effect, government employees working in services designated as essential cannot organize strikes or take part in any such action. If found involved in strikes or any activity leading to the obstruction of essential services they would be subjected to punishment under the law of the land.