What has the most significant change for young leaders in trade unions?

15 young leaders of GEFONT discussed this today in Kathmandu, with the help of Gopal. Based on examples from brick factories in Bhaktapur and for transport sector, it seems Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) are what they feel has the most important impact, as it improves the lives of not only their members, but of all workers.

One of the important messages was that young leaders aren’t the leaders of tomorrow, they should be leaders today! It meant for participants they don’t have to wait for positions to be given by the current leadership, but to demand and take up leadership positions, as young workers have specific issues and face particular challenges (internships, lack of permanent contracts, more at risk for sexual harassment etc.) that need to be represented already now at leadership level of trade unions or during CBA negotiations.

To determine the most significant impact, they first wrote their individual stories, of what changes being involved with trade unions had brought form them. Then, in groups of five, they analyzed these stories further, sharing good practices and selecting two they felt were most significant to be presented. In plenary, these six stories were discussed, looking at why they were innovative or really showed impact. Lastly, they each voted for one story.

The six stories, with pins that represented the votes.

The CBA tool got an overwhelming majority (9 out of 14 votes), seconded by capacity strengthening and training. This capacity strengthening was felt was important for all tools, as it is a way to reach the other elements. Other important aspects highlighted were organizing, using tools and activities which appealed to young workers. as well as assisting members in need, through solidarity funds or reduced costs at partnering hospitals. Very stimulating to see them speak in public, weigh pros and cons of stories, argue their case and reach a consensus!

The following story was chosen as most significant, shared by Bikey Shrestha, a taxi driver from the transport federation. He explained that the Nepali government had imposed an Education Qualification requirement, which meant that taxi drivers, besides their driving licence, had to have finished class 10. Most drivers don’t have this level of education, so it would have meant would have lost their jobs or even be imprisoned. Their trade union played a vital role to dismiss this requirement, through the negotiations with the authorities, after submitting a Policy Letter of Memorandum to the Traffic Police. They also managed to increase their salary to 3750 NPR (27,2€) per month. However, they still haven’t manged to ensure the full implement of the Social Security Law, which is their next priority.