Unilever Nepal resumes operation after two weeks of labour unrest

Unilever Nepal, an Indian joint venture which has remained shut for the past two weeks over labour unrest, on Thursday resumed operations.

The development came two days after Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai assured a delegation of the company's representatives and the business leaders affiliated to the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries that he would make all necessary efforts to reopen the factory.

The Maoist-affiliated All Nepal Trade Union Federation (Revolutionary) had padlocked the Hetauda-based factory of the multinational company on February 4 to press for their demands that include increasing their pays and perks.

Altogether 115 labourers of the factory affiliated to the Maoist-aligned trade union were on agitation forcing the management to shut down the operation of the factory nearly for two weeks.

The company has been revising pay and perks every two years by holding meeting with the labour union. Last time they had increased the salary and other benefits in 2010 and negotiations were in progress for this year's salary hike.

Unilever is a leading manufacturer of tooth paste, hair oil and other beauty-care products, and is providing direct employment opportunity to more than 200 people.