TAAN, WORKERS' UNIONS INK DEAL

Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and representatives of different workers unions signed a 16-point agreement letter on May 28 to address the demands raised by the workers. With the signing of the agreement, the workers unions have called of all their protest programs.

As per the agreement, TAAN has agreed to provide appointment letters to workers working with its member agencies as per the previous agreement reached with All Nepal Tourism Workers' Association. Both the sides have also agreed to implement different insurance policies-- search and rescue insurance, medical insurance of Rs 250,000 and group accident insurance of a maximum of Rs 500,000 -- for the workers from the amount that TAAN will receive through the implementation of TIMS. They have also agreed to setup a workers' welfare fund to ensure social security for the workers. The fund will come into implementation once the terms of reference (ToR) is finalized by the ministry.

The two sides have also agreed to establish a clothing bank for trekking staffs at Lukla, Solukhumbu. Initially, the bank will have at least 1,000 sets of clothing for the workers. As per the agreement, buildings for the accommodation of trekking workers will be constructed on popular trekking routes on need basis.

TAAN has also agreed to raise daily wage of workers by an additional Rs 100 per day on the wage structure agreed by the joint meeting on October 11, 2009.

 Source TAAN e-news 31/3/010 http://www.taan.org.np