General strike hits Nepal industrial hub

A general strike called by a Maoist-affiliated union continued Saturday in the industrial city of Hetauda in Nepal.

The work stoppage began Friday, ekantiput reported. The strike was organized by the All Nepal Trade Union Federation, which demands that wage scales be revised to match those set by the Maoist-led government.

The Hetauda Industrial District is the biggest in Nepal. The city, with a population of almost 80,000, became a commercial center because of its position on the Tribhuwan Highway, which links the capital, Kathmandu, with the Indian border.

Krishna Prasad Koirala, the secretary of Nepal Industrial Workers' Union, said only businesses that have agreed to the government pay scale will be allowed to resume production. While some businesses were reportedly holding individual negotiations, the Hetauda Industries Association, an umbrella organization of employers, had not yet become involved in talks.