The working class in Nepal is upfront in the struggle for restoration of democracy in their country. On 20 November 2005, the trade unions joined other mass organizations, like students and teachers` bodies and NGOs, to celebrate the `Child Rights Day` and urged the royal regime to begin talks with the political parties to restore democracy. They also demanded that King Gyanendra declare ceasefire with the Maoists and initiate talks to find a permanent solution to the violent conflict in the country. Tea plantation workers, construction labour, street vendors, industrial and agricultural workers too joined the celebrations.

A large number of school children have dropped out in the rural areas because of the violence and have migrated to towns and cities with their displaced families. A huge population of children and youth have also fled to India from the many border points and are facing extreme hardship and starvation.

A massive rally organised during the day saw the participation of thousands of workers, young people and children including activists from social movements. The national trade union confederation GEFONT`s central leadership led the rally, which was inaugurated by five child labourers who were the chief guests of the event freed pigeons. A girl child and a male child addressed the gathering. Cultural programmes were presented by indigenous groups. The message of the programme was to unitedly protest the autocratic regime and fight for workers` rights and democracy.

Pokhara, a tourist destination in Nepal, witnessed a similar coming together of the people and the workers on the occasion of the `International Migrant Day` on 18 December 2005. As many as 12,000 people gathered in the city to participate in the various events during the day. There were students, workers, street vendors and teachers. The message from the day was very clear---fight against autocracy and demand peace and democracy.

The people have given a warm welcome to the 12-point Understanding for Restoration of Peace and Restructuring of Nepali Society and Governance reached between the seven agitating political parties and the Maoists. It seeks to put an end to the violent conflict, which has already cost more than 13,000 lives and displaced thousands of families. The four-month-long cease-fire unilaterally declared by the Maoists after the efforts of the seven mainstream political parties ends on 1 January 2006. Though the King has tried to provoke the Maoists into breaking the cease-fire, the trade unions have given their full support to the mainstream political parties and urged the Maoists to continue the cease-fire.

Among the major trade unions, which have extended their support to the political parties, are GEFONT, NTUC, DECONT and the Teachers` Union of Nepal.