TAAN workers unions ink 13-point pact

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and three trade unions of trekking workers on October 5 signed a 13-point agreement that, among others, increases daily wage of trekking staff by Rs 200 effective from January, 2013.

President Mahendra Singh Thapa and General Secretary Mohan Lamsal signed the agreement on behalf of TAAN. Similarly, Suman Prajuli, general secretary of UNITRAV; Muktinath Das, president and Ramchandra Dhungana, general secretary of All Nepal Tourism Workers’ Association; and Bhagwatshree Neupane, secretary and Niraj Mishra, central member of Nepal Tourism Workers Association signed the agreement on behalf of the workers’ unions.

TAAN and workers unions have also agreed to create a Trekking Workers Welfare Fund worth Rs 10 million. As per the agreement, TAAN will deposit Rs 5 million in the fund within a week and will recommend the government and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to deposit another Rs 5 million from the TIMS joint fund. Though trekking workers have demanded TAAN to collect 40 percent of annual collection from TIMS fee into the welfare fund, the agreement states that TAAN will fix the contribution amount by holding its executive committee within October.

The two sides have also agreed to form a database of trekking workers. They have also agreed to recommend the Insurance Board to increase accident insurance of trekking workers to Rs 800,000 and medical insurance to Rs 400,000. TAAN and trekking workers have also agreed to request Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) to reserve 10 seats to trekking workers for trekking guide training.

http://www.taan.org.np/newsdetail/taan-workers-unions-ink-13-point-pact