Govt, jute entrepreneurs and workers reach understanding

Jute Mill entrepreneurs have on Monday agreed to pay their workers a daily wage of Rs 190 after the government promised to give the industry 70 percent discount in the power bills apart from waiving customs and VAT on the imports of spare parts , report the media sources.

As per a tripartite pact signed between the government, entrepreneurs and workers, the government will allow Nepal Oil Corporation to supply diesel to the jute factories at the rate petroleum dealers receive.

It is learnt that the jute mills will be entitled to such subsidy till fiscal year 2010/11.

The trade unions, which had been protesting since December 28 demanding the government fixed daily wage of Rs 190, have nullified their strikes following the agreement.

The pact states that the workers will receive Rs 175 as wages and Rs 15 as allowances.

Understanding has also been reached to form a task force, which will be chaired by the government-appointed chartered accountant, to set wages in a scientific manner with representation of the government, entrepreneurs and trade unions.

The total number of workers involved in nine jute factories including in the state-owned Biratnagar Jute Mill stands at 21,000. nepalnews.com Jan 13 09

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