Trade unions neglected on climate change issues: ITUC-NAC

The International Trade Union Confederation-Nepal Affiliated Council (ITUC-NAC) has complained that trade unions were neglected on climate change issues.

ITUC-NAC is an umbrella organisation that now consists of three of largest trade unions in Nepal- General Federation of Nepal Trade Unions (GEFONT), National Trade Union Confederation and All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF).

Organising a press conference here on Sunday, ITUC-NAC said the government did not include the matters of workers in the issues to be raised in UN Climate Change Conference -COP 28.

On the occasion, ITUC-NAC President Binod Shrestha said although the labour sector is most affected by climate change, the government did not consult with trade unions before participating in the climate change conference.

Similarly, President of Nepal Trade Union Congress, Yogendra Kumar Kunwar, pointed out the need of fair transformation in COP28 as climate change has huge impact on tourism, agriculture, transport and construction sectors.

The ITUC-NAC urged to protect the life of workers who are at risk due to climate policy of the country, to prepare transitional plan, to prevent workers from engaging in activities that increase environmental change.

It also requested employers not to produce polluting products to save their investment for long term. The state should ensure the representation of workers while making the plan of transformation, it was shared.