Future Labor Movements to Focus Beyond Wages on Skills Development and Digital Transformation

The Nepal Trade Union Federation (GIFTUN) is preparing to advance the trade union movement in a new way that aligns with the changing global environment and technological advancements. GIFTUN has emphasized the necessity to link labor movements with skill development, digital transformation, and productivity. The federation has committed to ongoing dialogue with the government for labor law reforms, new agreements with employers, and the creation of an inclusive labor market. Kathmandu, April 28.
Ahead of May Day 2026, the Nepal Trade Union Federation (GIFTUN) released a manifesto declaring its plans to advance the trade union movement in line with the changing global environment, technological progress, and new political-social contexts. GIFTUN affirmed the need to redefine Nepal’s labor sector with a fresh approach. Attuned to the evolving national and global labor landscape, the federation stated clearly that future labor movements will not be limited to wage increases or compensation issues alone.
The manifesto highlights the rapid technological developments, market competition, and shifts in employment structures that define today’s labor world, calling for a “dynamic and empowered labor movement.” According to the document, labor demands must move beyond traditional concerns to directly incorporate skill enhancement, digital transformation, and productivity improvement. GIFTUN General Secretary Laxman Sharma remarked that the profound economic, social, and technological changes make it impossible to address workers’ issues through old frameworks alone. He added that these themes will form the core agenda for long-term strategic planning at the upcoming general convention.
General Secretary Sharma also noted that changes in workplaces and technology pose new challenges for workers’ skill and capacity development. “We interpret this changed context as a new social contract,” he said. “It is imperative to build workers’ capabilities in accordance with technological changes and advance in line with the country’s economic needs.” GIFTUN has identified various issues for collaboration and dialogue with the government. Sharma stated that ongoing discussions will focus on timely amendments to labor laws, novel types of agreements with employers, and resolving current worker-related challenges.
“The circumstances have changed; if we hold on to old approaches, we cannot sustain,” Sharma said. “Therefore, redefining labor laws and relations with employers in new ways is unavoidable.” GIFTUN intends this general convention to be more than just leadership selection, viewing it as a critical milestone for determining new directions and policies for the labor movement. The federation has also planned a ‘breakthrough’ initiative aimed at technology-friendly workplaces and safe labor relations. It has adopted the core slogan “Skill Enhancement and Progress with Technology,” emphasizing the importance of developing workers not merely as laborers but as skilled, techno-friendly, and competitive human resources.
The manifesto prioritizes making the social security system more effective and inclusive, creating new jobs domestically as alternatives to foreign employment, and increasing domestic production through national industry protection. It also stresses expanding the labor market inclusively by enhancing the participation of women, youth, and marginalized communities. The federation underlined that collaboration among the government, private sector, and labor organizations is essential to adapt labor policies according to current needs and foster worker-friendly environments. Central to the manifesto is the concept of inclusive prosperity, advocating for a decisive role for workers in economic development. GIFTUN believes the upcoming challenges extend beyond minimum wage increases to include quality job creation, productivity enhancement, and economic development coupled with social justice. This approach is expected to steer the labor movement toward a new direction focused on long-term transformation.