SARTUC Executive Board Meeting

The SARTUC successfully held its Executive Board Meeting on 13 May 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together Executive Board Members and leaders from across South Asia. SARTUC Executive Board members provided brief updates on trade union activities, emerging labour issues, and challenges in their respective countries and unions.

SARTUC Executive Board Meeting

13 May 2025

Colombo, Sri Lanka

The SARTUC successfully held its Executive Board Meeting on 13 May 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together affiliate leaders and delegates from across South Asia. The meeting commenced with remarks from Brother Laxman Basnet, General Secretary of SARTUC, followed by a welcome address from Brother Harbhajan Singh Siddhu, President of SARTUC. A special video message was delivered by Brother Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of ITUC-Asia Pacific, emphasising solidarity and support for SARTUC’s ongoing work. Key highlights of the morning session included the presentation of the General Secretary’s and Financial Reports, with active participation from delegates offering insights and feedback.

SARTUC Executive Board members provided brief updates on trade union activities, emerging labour issues, and challenges in their respective countries and unions. The discussion then centred on aligning future strategies around five key areas: 1) climate change and a just transition; 2) social protection and wages; 3) informal economy and unemployment; 4) equality and inclusion; and 5) labour migration. The session highlighted the crucial role of trade unions in addressing these regional challenges. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from the President, reaffirming SARTUC’s commitment to regional solidarity and enhanced collective action.