About ANTWU

All Nepal Tourism Workers Union (ANTWU) is a leading trade union organization that represents over 2,500 workers from various sectors of Nepal’s tourism industry. Established in 2008 and officially registered with the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety, ANTWU has continuously worked to protect and promote the rights and welfare of tourism workers throughout the country.

The union plays a pivotal role in the labor movement of Nepal, particularly in the tourism sector, which includes workers in a wide range of roles—such as porters, trekking guides, hotel staff, travel agents, restaurant workers, and other service providers in the tourism value chain. Since its formation, ANTWU has worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions, wages, and job security for these workers, many of whom have historically faced inadequate representation and exploitation.

Mission and Vision of ANTWU

ANTWU is committed to fostering a democratic, equitable, and sustainable labor market in Nepal’s tourism industry. The union’s overarching vision is to ensure that workers receive decent work conditions, fair wages, and proper social security, while also advocating for the long-term development of the tourism sector in a way that benefits both workers and employers alike.

The key areas of focus for ANTWU include:

1. Advocacy for Workers' Rights: Protecting the basic rights of tourism workers, including fair compensation, safe working conditions, and the right to form and join unions without fear of retaliation.  

2. Social Security and Welfare: Pushing for comprehensive social security systems for workers, covering health insurance, pensions, and other welfare benefits.

3. Improvement in Skills and Training: Organizing training programs aimed at enhancing workers' skills, professionalism, and service quality, ultimately benefiting both the workers and the broader tourism industry.

4. Labor Market Reforms: Lobbying for comprehensive reforms in labor laws and policies to ensure fair treatment and the protection of workers' rights in all sectors of the tourism industry.

5. Democratic Decision-Making: Ensuring that workers have a voice in decision-making processes related to tourism industry policies and practices, including involvement in industry regulations, standards, and labor law frameworks.

Key Initiatives of ANTWU

Since its establishment, ANTWU has played an instrumental role in pushing for changes that will positively impact tourism workers across Nepal. Below are some of the main initiatives and areas of advocacy:

1. Labor Law Reform: One of ANTWU’s most important goals is the reform of labor laws in Nepal to better protect the rights of workers in the tourism industry. ANTWU has been a leading force in advocating for more inclusive, transparent, and comprehensive labor laws that provide workers with better wages, improved safety standards, and access to health and social security benefits.

A key aspect of ANTWU’s advocacy is pushing for the implementation of ILO (International Labour Organization) core conventions, ensuring that the rights enshrined in international labor laws are fully adopted and enforced by the Nepali government.

2. Social Security and Welfare: ANTWU has long campaigned for a Social Security Bill that would provide essential safety nets for tourism workers, especially in times of illness, accidents, or unemployment. The union has lobbied for the creation of **mandatory insurance programs** and health benefits to support workers in need, as many tourism workers do not have access to basic healthcare or financial protection against unforeseen events.

3. Advocacy for Minimum Wage Standards: A key issue for ANTWU has been the implementation of a minimum wage for workers in the tourism sector. Many workers, particularly those in informal or temporary roles like porters and guides, face exploitation with low wages and poor working conditions. ANTWU has been advocating for the government to set and enforce minimum wage standards across the industry to ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their labor.

4. Training and Professional Development: Recognizing the importance of maintaining high standards of service within the tourism sector, ANTWU has established training programs to improve the skills and knowledge of tourism workers. These programs cover a wide array of topics, including customer service, safety standards, language training, and eco-tourism practices, among others.

By enhancing the professionalism and expertise of workers, ANTWU aims to not only improve the quality of services provided to tourists but also increase the earning potential of workers, helping them to secure long-term career growth in the tourism industry.

5. Worker Representation and Industrial Relations:  ANTWU works to ensure that tourism workers are not only protected by labor laws but are also adequately represented in decision-making bodies that shape the industry. The union campaigns for the inclusion of worker representatives in policy discussions, labor boards, and advisory committees. This ensures that the needs and concerns of workers are taken into account when decisions are made about the future direction of Nepal’s tourism industry.

Advocacy for ILO Core Conventions

A critical component of ANTWU’s mission is ensuring that Nepal adheres to international standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). ANTWU actively lobbies for the government to fully ratify and implement ILO conventions that protect workers’ rights, including freedom of association, the right to organize, the right to collective bargaining, and non-discrimination in employment.

Current Challenges and Future Goals

While ANTWU has achieved significant progress over the years, the organization continues to face challenges in ensuring the full implementation of its goals. Issues such as informal labor, inconsistent enforcement of labor laws, and resistance from some employers remain barriers to the union’s mission. However, ANTWU remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of tourism workers and pushing for continued reforms.

Looking ahead, ANTWU plans to focus on the following:

• Wider Reach: Expanding its reach to include more workers across different tourism sectors, especially in remote areas where labor exploitation is prevalent.
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Advocating for eco-friendly tourism practices that not only benefit the environment but also promote better working conditions for those employed in the tourism sector.
• International Solidarity: Strengthening relationships with international trade unions and organizations to share best practices and coordinate efforts for global labor reforms.

All Nepal Tourism Workers Union (ANTWU) continues to play a vital role in improving the lives of tourism workers in Nepal. Through its tireless advocacy, training initiatives, and commitment to social justice, ANTWU is helping shape a future where tourism workers can enjoy fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security. The union’s work is not only crucial to the workers it represents but also to the development of a sustainable, equitable tourism industry in Nepal.