TIA customs staff organize protest over working conditions

Kathmandu / Sept 10: Employees at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Customs Office have initiated a protest in response to a range of grievances. On August 29, 137 employees jointly submitted their resignations, citing a problematic work environment devoid of a conducive psychology. Their initial demand for improvement went unanswered, prompting them to commence the protest, putting forth five specific requests.

This protest, spanning three days, encompasses various measures, including symbolic actions such as temporarily ceasing work for three hours today. The employees have voiced their concerns, primarily stemming from the recent incident involving the seizure of 60 kilograms of gold. They assert that they have faced harassment and psychological distress from various agencies conducting investigators, rather than being supported in their routine revenue collection work, which is performed in accordance with the law and good intentions.

The protesters are calling for an end to the misuse of investigations to halt their legitimate duties, the provision of modern infrastructure and technology, the establishment of a work environment fostering high morale without intimidation, and safeguards against arbitrary arrests without evidence or arrest warrants.

In a letter to the concerned authorities, the employees demand an immediate cessation of harassment, alleging that the orchestrators of the incident, as well as those involved and those connected to the crime, are attempting to divert the investigation by exploiting political connections. This situation, they insist, must be addressed promptly.

The employees have communicated their demands and the details of their protest to various authorities, including the finance minister, finance secretary, revenue secretary, and others.