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Abstract
One of the major impediments to development in Nigeria is labour
unrest. This is given the fact that no Nation can develop without human
resource because they constitute and play very significant role in
Nation building and development. The Nigerian case has been so pervasive
that labour unrest extends to every situation when the Government takes
major public policy decision that seems to affect the labour union and
generally the masses without due consultation of labour statement;
especially that which affects the social life of their member and
welfare packages of the entire masses, specifically that which affect
the socio-economic and political aspects, hence Nigerian development
remain dependent.
Thus in our attempt to analyze and investigate this problem, we use the
relative deprivation theory for theoretical framework while documentary
research method was also used for gathering and analyzing data.
This research work, labour unrest and underdevelopment in Nigeria: An
appraisal from 2000 – 2013 is being carried out for the purpose of
assessing various means of curbing labour unrest. This study is however
divided into five chapters, chapter one deals with the background of
study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, significance of
the study, hypotheses, method of data collection and analysis, scope
and limitation of the study and definition of terms. Chapter two
contains the public policies and labour unrest in Nigeria. In chapter
three, we looked at labour unrest and underdevelopment. Chapter four of
this work dealt with the strategies for curbing labour unrest in
Nigeria.
Finally, chapter five which is the last chapter efforts shifted to the
summary, conclusion, recommendation and bibliography. However this work
is very incisive, interesting and educating.
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The organized labour union movements in Nigeria dates back to 1912,
Nigeria workers like their counterparts in other developing countries
have witnessed fundamental changes in their condition over time. To a
large extent, labour unions have played significant roles in the
transformation of most developing countries.
Government is the largest employer of labour with private individual
employing a minimal proportion of the working class (Fajara, 2000). In
Nigeria, labour unions has become a very important agents of
socio-economic transformation and class struggle (Aremu, 1996,
Akinyanju, 1997) which began from the colonial struggle and continued
till in the post independence era. In the later, labour unions played
significant role in the struggle against dictatorial military rule in
the country. In the same vein under the current civilian dispensation,
labour unions is at the forefront of the struggle against unpopular
government policies such as deregulation of the oil sector, retrenchment
of workers and refusal to honor agreement on wage increase.
Nigeria is a third world country that comprise of labour unions spread
across the country. The unions are structured into industrial line and
as at 1977 precisely 42 labour unions were recognized by the Government
and allowed to contribute enormously to the development of economic,
social, cultural and even political system of the state. The role of
these labour unions is usually regarded as people oriented because it
tends to oppose Governmental policies and decisions not favorable to the
masses through strike actions, protest etc popularly called labour
unrest.
However, in a multi ethnic democratic country like Nigeria, there exist
different labour unions across the country. But for the purpose of this
study, we shall dwell more on those labour unions that have in one way
or the other succeeded in influencing Governmental policies and
decision. In the past such as: National Union of Petroleum and Natural
Gas Workers (NUPENG), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of
Teachers (NUT), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association
of Nigeria (PENGASSAU) Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ).
In 1978 however, it’s important to note that Nigerian Labour Congress
(NLC) was formed and inaugurated and the 42 industrial unions became
affiliates of the Nigerian Labour Congress with a legal backing of the
trade union amendment Decree 22 of 1978. Again in 1989 the trade union
was restructured to become 29 affiliates unions to the Nigerian Labour
Congress after their role against the anti-people Structural Adjustment
programme of General Babangida.
Consequently, in 2005, the trade union act section 33 (2) was amended
by substituting the phrase “central labour organization” for the phrase
“federation of trade unions” the intention was to weaken the cohesion
of the trade unions.
Since time immemorial labour unrest has always occupied the front burner
of criticisms and oppositions. in Nigeria whenever the Government
through its policies makes life unbearable for its citizens.
Nevertheless most activities of the organized labour in the form of
unrest to attack Government policies and programmes often result in
underdevelopment and grounding of the economy culminating in loss of
revenues and sundry economic activities. However, it is not implausible
to aver that one of the greatest problems that result to labour unrest
and consequently underdevelopment is Governmental policies and
programmes on certain National issues especially those that affect the labour unions across the Nation.
In the light of these, this research work is inspired out of the burning
desire to interrogate the motive of the labour union in their
activities through protest, strikes etc against certain Governmental
policies and programmes through a critical analysis and alternative
roadmap to labour unrest with a view to averting resultant and decay in
Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Labour unrest remain one of the most glaring problems hindering the
development of this great nation especially when Government tends to
implement policies and programmes not favorably for the majority of the
people in the society (country). This is because the labour unions,
using the NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress) ad TUC (Trade Union Congress) as
the umbrella bodies tends to constitute parts of organization or union
that keeps the country going through their daily activities. In order
words, when there is labour unrest, the economy of the country tends to
be disrupted and destabilized which is why whenever Government policies
and programmes that are not favorable to labour are formulated, there is
usually a mass protest and strikes that dislocates the economy as the
civil servants who are very significant to the Government of the day
also partake in the strike and protest by not going to work.
However, the study shall make a critical appraisal of some of the major
cases (protest and strikes) by labour unions and also investigate their
modus operandi, so as to River at the objectives of the study, in the
quest of doing this, the following research question would serve as a
guide.
i. Are public policies responsible for labour unrest in Nigeria?
ii. Is underdevelopment a consequent of labour unrest in Nigeria?
iii. Can dialogue and collective bargaining curb labour unrest in Nigeria?
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The broad objective of the study is to assess the consequences of labour
unrest on Nigeria’s development. Thus the specific objectives of the
study are:
(i) To ascertain if public policies are responsible for labour unrest in Nigeria.
(ii) To determine if underdevelopment is a consequence of labour unrest in Nigeria.
(iii) To discover if dialogue and collective bargaining can curb labour union in Nigeria
1.4 Literature Review
The literature review of this work is based on 2 concepts via-a-viz labour unrest and underdevelopment.
These concepts are social science concepts which of course lack clearly
definite definition hence scholars see it from their own view point and
encapsulated.
Firstly labour union according to Fagane (2009) is any combination
whether temporary or permanent. According to him, its principal
objectives are the regulation of the relationship between work-men and
workmen or between masters and masters or the imposing of restrictive
conditions on the conduct of any trade or business and also the
provision and benefits of members.
However, labour union is important to note are the main power resource
of working people. The power in this collectivity of workers tends to
promote the resolution of a variety of problems faced by the workforce
which help in Nation building.
Labour unrest according to Amesen Eric (2007) is a term used by
employers or those generally in the business community to describe
organizing the strike actions undertaken by labour unions especially
where labour disputes become violent or where industrial actions which
members of a workforce obstruct the normal process of business and
generate industrial unrest are essayed.
Labour unrest could be defined as the disruption of the day to day
labour activities that generates income both local and international In
the country and makes the economy stagnant for a while due to the strike
action and protest by labour unions in the process of facilitating the
interest of their members endangered by Government policies unfavorable
to them (Labour Unions). However unrest in organization and industrial
establishment can be disruptive when the organizational goals are
stressful to the health of industrial workers.
Again labour unrest can be defined as the inability of members in a role
set are unable to reach an agreement on an issue concerned with the
objective of interaction. There is hardly any gainsaying the fact that
industrial conflict on labour unrest are realities of any economic
system where workers and the management interact. Labour unrest seems to
be more pronounced in public sector organization most especially.
Anugwom and Ukaegbu (1998) argue that public union have substantial
market power and are usually in a position to play a key role in the
political process and its this unique positioning that make them
conflict prone.
Dimension of Labour Unrest
Labour unrest is so closely related to loss of peace because like Ofube
(2001) argues that unrest (conflict) is as central to life, because like
we know, life without conflict is no life. Therefore labour unrest is
not abnormal in any organization (private or public). Hence in the
public sector, workers are always disenchanted with the Government over
its handling of workers welfare and the general penury facing the
nation.
Anugwom (1997) views the dimension of labour unrest as a situation when
the economic depression in the country as exposing workers to a high
level of economic hardship. He further contends that the public sector
workers especially have been faced by given economic realities and may
have seen unrest as a way of breaking loose from the shackles of
economic deprivation.
Okechukwu R. O. (2002) expresses his view in the labour unrest in
Nigeria especially the June 2000 strike and argued that some Government
policies that are unfavorable to the workers tend to generate the often
strike action and protest leading to labour unrest.
Finally it’s important to understand here that when Government
formulates policies not favorable to labour unions, they adopt some
strategies or dimensions leading to labour unrest in the country.
(a) Labour Unions threaten the Government by issuing ultimatum within
which its demand will be met. Thus failure of the Government to oblige
them may elicit strike or demonstration thereby leading to labour
unrest.
(b) Propaganda using mass media and handbills is another dimension of
labour unrest; here workers all over the federation are notified on the
latest development and even the public.
(c) Employment of protests, strikes and demonstrations is another dimension of labour unrest which could be peaceful or violent.
In economics underdevelopment is when resources are not used to their
full socio-economic potential, with the result that local development is
slower in most cases than it should be. more so, it results from the
complex interplay of internal and external factors that allow less
developed countries only a lop-sided development progression.
Effects of labour unrest and underdevelopment
(i) Underdeveloped countries have low reservoir of natural resources and
as such any kind of labour unrest tends to destroy some of these
resources in the country.
(ii) Socio-economic inequality: This is another effect that propagates labour unrest in Nigeria that leads to underdevelopment.
(iii) Low level of industrialization.
(iv) An unconditional policy is another effect of labour unrest and
underdevelopment that hinders development in Nigeria, because Government
policy not favorable to this labour union across the federation tends
to generate labour unrest.
Ezema (2007) contends that most labour union and workers are often
very restless and confrontational in their approach to issues which
affect them as a group such as not fulfilling some of the employment
contracts and as such, workers result to anti-government posture which
if care is not taken can lead to labour unrest or even tear the state
apart.
The existing gap here is that Government always perceive the workers as
lazy, uncooperative individuals, who always hold secret labour meetings
and plan drastic actions against Government and any other organization
they consider threat to their interest while on the other hand workers
(labour unions) perceive the Government as exploiting them especially
when they make policies concerning labour without labours consultations
(Chukwu, 2008). It is this perceptual basis arising from the Government
and the workers that sometimes serve as the “brewing pot” of labour
unrest. Hence the Nation tends to loose a great deal of financial and
material resources (Akereke, 2010).
1.5 Significance of the Study
Essentially, every research is a quantum of knowledge; this study will
therefore be of a theoretical significance to future researchers as it
is going to enclose the identified questions. Also, it is going to add
to the existing body of literature as it tends to extend the frontier of
knowledge. The study will definitely put the icing on the case already
existing literature of labour unrest and underdevelopment in Nigeria.
Thus its importance lies in the very fact that labour unrest is
currently a prevailing cancaworm and it is very spontaneous and topical.
However this work will in the long run guide the Government in the
quest to quell further problems associated with labour unrest and
underdevelopment in Nigeria in the nearest future.
1.6 Theoretical Framework
The relative deprivation frustration aggression theory will stand as the
theoretical framework of this study Dollard (1939) postulates that the
primary source of the human capacity for violence appears to be
frustration aggression mechanism.
Thus according to him, anger induced by frustration is a motivating
force that disposes man to aggression. Frustration is an interference
with goal directed behavior.
According to Gurr, “Relative Deprivation is a perceived discrepancy between relative deprivation and their value capabilities”.
Value expectations are the goods and conditions of life to which people
believe they are rightfully entitled. Value capabilities are goals and
conditions they think they are capable of attaining and maintaining
given the social means available to them. Gurr also suggests some
variables that affect the intensity of emotional respond to the
perception of deprivation.
The first proposition is that the greater the extent of discrepancy the
man sees between what they seek and what seems to be attainable, the
greater their anger and consequence disposition to aggression.
The second proposition relates to oppositions “men who feel they have
many ways to attain their pals are less likely to become angry when one
is blocked than those who have very few alternatives.
The third general proposition is that the greater the intensity of men’s
expectations, the greater their anger when they meet unexpected or
increased resistance.
Gurr further states four (4) intervening variables in his quest to
expatiate the Relative deprivation frustration model. Thus the
legitimacy of the political regime in which violence occurs, coercive
potential
institutionalization and social structures which may condition the perception of deprivation.
However, in a related manner, James Davies attributed violent outbreak
to the frustration that result from short term decline in achievement
following a long term increase that generate expectation about
continuing increase. Basically, a person thwarted in the attempt to
reach a goal is made angry and likely to protest against the imputed
sources of frustration.
Dowse and Hughes observes in social life, men comes to value many
things, status, power, security, equality, freedom, wealth etc when they
cannot achieve those values means loosing another, angry,
dissatisfaction and in the cases aggression occur, Mayer (1976) argued
in support that the normal tendency towards violence aggression or
dispute is increasingly frustration desire. To him, when a goal
presumably attractive two or more individuals is made available in such a
way that it can be obtained looser. Those frustrate actors in political
system can become sponsors of things kidnapers or even cause political,
economic or even labour unrest in the country.
Davies (1973) postulates that aggressive action required four (4) main
steps namely: activation of demand, frustration of demand mental process
of deciding how to overcome.
Thus it is important to note that various individuals or groups involved
in political, religious or even labour unrest such as the Nigeria
labour congress, (NLC), trade union congress (TUC), academic staff union
of universities (ASUU) etc engage in peaceful protest and subsequent
strike because they perceive a sense of injustice on the part of the
Government from its policies.
This is often due to the fact their needs are not properly met, and as a
result of this, they stoop to strike and protest which could induce
violence from some individuals and the Government of the day sees it as a
rebellious act, hence the lost of popular consensus and legitimacy
thereby causing loss of life and property and starvation in the country.
Accordingly Kerlinger (1977) a theory is a set of interrelated
constructs propositions and concepts that presents a systematic view of
phenomenon by specifying relations among variables with the purpose of
explaining and predicting the phenomena. Thus having said these, among
all the theory and paradigms drafted by various school of thoughts over
the years, the focus therefore is on the labour unrest and
underdevelopment, its impact and effects on the countries economy.
1.7 Hypotheses
In accordance with the research questions and founded on empirical verification deduced from the research study hypotheses thus:
i. Public policies are responsible for labour unrest in Nigeria.
ii. Underdevelopment appears to be a correspondence of labour unrest in Nigeria.
iii. Dialogue and collective bargaining seem to be a veritiable alternative to labour unrest in Nigeria
1.8 Methods of Data Collection and Analysis
The method of data collection used in this research study is the
secondary source which is also known as documentation due to the
spontaneous nature of the issue under investigation. We gathered
information from library, textbooks, articles, magazine, journals,
internet services and printout etc which are relevant to the study.
The framework of content analysis is what we adopted due to the fact
that it will aid us in giving better appreciable acknowledgment to the
study and make us knowledgeably acquainted to the subject under
analysis.
1.9 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this research work is quite wide and broad that it
encompasses the investigation of “labour unrest and underdevelopment in
Nigeria” An appraisal from 2000 – date. This is because of the
spontaneous nature.
The scope is hinged on what have been noted from time immemorial to
present in the main sub-heading of this research work. Furthermore,
notable reference though is on the already listed statement of problem
and hypothesis which would be used in the continuation of the research
work up till the point of arriving at the conclusion and preferred
recommendations of this research work.
As regards to the limitation of this study, we would point out that
there were indeed limited documented materials on the issue and the
factors of it being timely in conjunction with financial impediments or
constraints, time and numerous academic work in campus. However,
it was obvious that the prevailing unrest was at its peak at the time of this research.
1.10 Definition of Terms
This term that have been carefully selected for definition in this
research work are those that are related to the course of study and
those terms which also have ambiguous meaning, here an attempt is made
to give clarity on their usage in this research work.
Underdevelopment: Liberal and Marxist scholars contend underdevelopment
in terms of retardation, primitivity and backwardness or simply the lack
of development for which the later view it as a man made process while
the former connotes it as an internal variables and not external
factors, which is occasioned by national and internal milieu.
Labour Unrest: This is a term used by employers or those generally in
the business community to describe organizing and strike action
undertaken especially when Government tends to implement policies not
favorable to their members.
Labour Union: This are group of people who come together in line with
their profession or career with the sole aim of protecting their
interest through influencing Government policies through strike actions
and protest.
Development: According to the liberal view implies change which “often
follows a well ordered sequence and exhibits common characteristics
across countries or what Michael Todaro calls series of successive
stages of transformation.
Development according to the Marxist perspective is a dimensional
process as Walter Rodney encapsulated that development. In human society
is a many sided process.
Strikes: This is a refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a
form of protest typically in an attempt to gain a concession or
concessions. Thus it’s a work stoppage undertaken in support of a
bargaining position or in protest of some aspect of a previous agreement
or proposal agreement between labour unions and the management or the
Government.
Government: This is an institution rules and administration of state
authority. Thus it’s a group of people that governs a state. It sets and
administers public policy and exercises executive political and
sovereign power through customs, institution and laws within a state.
A Government can be classified into many types: democracy, republic,
monarchy, aristocracy dictatorship are just to mention but a few.
Protest: This is a statement or action expressing disapproval or
objection to something or to affirm in a public or formal manner to
declare solemnly to a vow.
Deregulation: This is the removal of government control from an industry
or sector to allow for free and efficient market place. Thus it’s the
reduction or elimination of government power in a particular industry
usually enacted to create more competition within the industry.
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