Nepal’s cleaning workers solidarity against G4S unfair termination saves livelihood of over 150 workers

11.01.23

Nepal’s cleaning workers solidarity against G4S unfair termination saves livelihood of over 150 workers

UNI Affiliates the All-Nepal Cleaning Workers Union and the All-Nepal Security Workers Union, immediately went into action to support the workers, launching a sit-in demonstration on 4th January 2023,  to highlight the livelihood scare caused by G4S’s unfair termination act.

The G4S worker contracting company and the Grande Hospital 10 year contract termination meant the loss of jobs of over 150 cleaning workers in Nepal. The companies in their letter of communication mentioned “if the contract with us (G4S) is terminated you should also terminate our workers working with you (Grande hospital)”.

The workers together with the unions led the sit-in demonstration against the companies unfair termination of contracts leading to a loss of livelihood. The workers continued the sit-in program until the guarantee of livelihood was achieved.

UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary Rajendra Acharya said “this is a true demonstration of solidarity against companies oppressing their workers and unfairly terminating their contracts. UNI Asia & Pacific stands with Nepal Unions and congratulate the workers for their determination. A true example of worker power”.

The unions later found out that G4S was only permitted to deploy security personnel and not the cleaners and was effectively employing and outsourcing them illegally to the hospital. The workers now have a new agreement with Khems’ Cleaning Services Pvt. Ltd., the other outsourcing company and continuing their work with the hospital.

“We are in the most challenging time for our bread and butter. We are united and do every action to protect and advance the interests of our members in the workplace, and we will win the battle because we are not alone.” Sister Dhanu Dahal, President of All Nepal Cleaning Workers Union.

 

 

Cleaning / Security

Nepal

UNI Asia & Pacific