TRADE UNIONISM AND IT’S IMPACT ON WORKERS WELFARE IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study is motivated by the unseemly variety of problems faced by an average Nigerian worker and the fundamental question as the level and quality of Trade Union organization their defined ideologies and the motives of these unions towards their members are examined.
The objective of this study is to seek ways to correct these varieties of problems and to ensure that Trade Union has enough impact positively on workers. Two research questions were raised for the study while two research hypotheses were also formulated. The survey research design was adopted for the study.
The questionnaire was the main instrument used for the data collection. The data collected was subjected to simple validity and reliability test and chi-square technique was used to test the level of significance. Some of the findings are that the level of positive impact on workers welfare depends on the level of unity and maturity amongst the union leaders in charge and also that minimizing unnecessary strike actions by union will bring about high rate of productivity to the organization thereby affecting workers welfare.
Based on the findings, recommendations such as cordial system of dialogue between union and management should be adopted in a case of misunderstanding.
Also that union member’s welfare should not be mortgaged in any way and there should be improved communication between union and management and also union and members.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The term trade union has a variety of meanings depending on the perception of workers and the definition imposed by the legal frameworks in many countries.
Some workers organizations call themselves staff or professional associations, or senior staff associations, but all these are valid examples of trade unions. Furthermore, trade union laws in the. UK and Nigeria defines a trade union as:
“Any combination whether temporary or permanent, the principal objectives of which under it’s constitution are………. the regulation of the relationship between workmen or between masters and masters, or the imposing of restrictive conditions on the conduct of any trade or business and also the provision of benefits to members”.
An alternative definition of the term Trade Union is “…an association of wage/salary earners formed with the objective of safeguarding and improving the wage and employment conditions of it’s members and to raise members social status and standard of living in the community.