HETAUDA, Nepal, Nov. 29  -- 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. (UPI)