Impact Of Strike Action In The Achievement Of Trade Union Aims In An Organization
(A Case Study Of Nigeria Union Of Teacters (Nut) Enugu State)
A strike, a potent tool wielded by trade unions, holds significant sway in shaping the trajectory of organizational dynamics. This forceful collective action, often prompted by unresolved disputes between employees and management, can exert profound ramifications on the realization of trade union objectives within a given organizational framework. The effectiveness of such strikes hinges on their ability to disrupt normal operations, compelling employers to reevaluate their stance on key issues. By mobilizing their members, trade unions aim to address grievances related to wages, working conditions, and overall labor rights. The strategic deployment of strikes underscores the intricate dance between organized labor and management, with both sides vying for concessions that can alter the power dynamics within the workplace. The impact of a strike, therefore, extends beyond the immediate cessation of work; it reverberates as a forceful expression of the collective will of the workforce, influencing negotiations and shaping the trajectory of labor relations within the organization.
This study looked into the impact of strike action in the achievement of trade unions aims in an organization in specific interest of Nigeria union of teachers (NUT) Enugu state.
In carrying this work, relevant research questions on hypothesis were given as reading assumption. Relevant literatures were reviewing with the aim of authenticating the issue under study. The researcher used descriptive design for the project layout on respondents of data collection (questionnaire). The data on the respondent’s responses analyzed using simple table and percentage, for the test of hypothesis, the statistically tools chi-square was used, one of the result of the finding showed that workers join the union for the purpose of promoting and defending their employment and ensuring job security. Based on this findings, certain recommendations were made which includes management should sit-up to settle disputes at the latent stage and that workers should be made to have sense of job security so as to enhance on organizational productivity.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgment
Abstract
Table of content
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Purpose of the study
1.4 Scope of the study
1.5 Research hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Limitation of the study
1.8 Definition of term
References
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 The early days and development of unionism in Nigeria
2.2 The objective and function of trade union
2.3 Strike
2.4 Evaluation of strike as one of the tools of trade unions
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research design
3.2 Area of study
3.3 Population of the study
3.4 Instrument for data collection
3.5 Validation of the instrument
3.6 Reliability of the instrument
3.7 Methods of data collection
3.8 Method of data analysis
References
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF DATA
4.1 Testing of hypothesis
4.2 Summary of results
References
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Discussion of results/ findings
5.2 Conclusions
5.3 Implication of the research findings
5.4 Recommendations
5.5 Suggestion for further research
References
Bibliography
Journals
Periodicals
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The early 70’s saw and witnesses the end of political crisis and at its time organized labour which was put into the coffin during the civil war was once released free its dilemma of whether or not to forget industrial action in the life rest national security. With the civil war, labour militate its demand for improvement in the wage structure and other condition of employment throughout the country. Workers protest coupled with the government growing realization of the poor economic states of the working class ultimately led to the establishment of certain commission like the Adebo commission.
Since 1970 to the present time, workers demand have increased could not satisfy the needs of the employees in the faces of the economics recession which employees force management to access to their demand. In this study, however, we are going to examine the cause of strike, its consequences and effectiveness as a weapon of trade union in achieving their aims. Mention of course would briefly be make of the history and development of trade unionism in Nigeria.
Strike as defined by section 37 (1) of trade dispute Act No 7, 1976 is a cessation of work by a body of employed persons acting in combination or a concerned refusal under a common understanding of any number of employed persons to continue to work for an employer inconsequence of a dispute, done as a means of compelling their employer on any person or body persons employed to aid other workers.
As its stand, that force, strike is one word that torn the flesh of management: each time as strike occurs, substantial out is lost during the first general strike of 1945, 1993 (Asu strike Jan. 2000 (NLC strike) when the government disagreed with civil servant wages and allowances about thirty working day were lost. Output dropped substantial, as a re-question government had to upgrade salaries in a bid to resolve between 1980, 82, 1993 and 1999 to zoo respectively there was a spot of industrial and trade disputes and work stoppages in the country requiting in a high loss in man hours and productivity. This spate of industrial unrest was evidently result of lack of adequate attention to the human labour in business organization. There has been giant sagging the fact that a human factor is of paramount importance in industry, commercial and the civil service.
The management pre-occupation with maximizing profit has always made them to pay little or no attention to the human factor in the organization. This relegation of the human factors to the background by management has been a serious but latent cause of increase in strike action on with its resultant consequences. It is the purpose of this work to probe into this and acquaint the management with the tools for combating this hydra headed monster.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The unstable industrial related climate in Nigeria, just within the last decade has resulted in all time record of cost working hours, unprecedented work stoppages as a result of strike.
In the first six months of the year 1982, Nigeria lost a total of 4, 598 man-hours, because of strike actions by workers. This represented a 342% increase in the five cost during the first half of 1959 and is even more than 100% higher than the 2,244, 984 man-hours. Besides these alarming strike occurrence. There are many others in the hundred of reported officially. Four is against this background that this research effort is consummated, with the definite mission of providing answers to the following questions:
1. Are such trade disputes and industrial unrest as a rest of unsettled grievance.
2. What chances exit for handling the grievance.
3. If strike occurs, what are the procedures for setting them.
4. Is strike the only effective means of achieving union aims.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study is to probe into the effectiveness of strike actions as a means of achieving union aims from management. The study is based on a case study of the Nigeria union of teachers (NUT) Enugu state.
Precisely, the study is focused on the following issues, tools for achieving union demand from management strike as a major tool on achieving union aim the effectiveness of strike action in achieving union aim measured against the regular occurrence of strike actions. The recommendations which will be based mainly on the findings of this research will be if implemented straighten the effectiveness of strike action as means of achieving union aims. If on the other hand the study suggest a better way of achieving union aims than strike then of cause that mentioned will be recommended.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study to cover the general affairs of the union as regards to the strengths, weakness, opportunity and threat in which the research is based on Nigeria union of teachers Enugu.
The research is conducted to cover and improve the management of the organization on towards Nigeria union of teachers generally. The research is conducted to cover and improve the management of the organization on towards Nigeria union of teachers generally.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION
1. What benefits have you derived by belonging to union.
2. Do you think you should achieve your aim even in a non-unionized group?
3. Has strike action helped your union to obtain its demand from management?
4. What do you consider to be the most effective way of setting a strike action when it occurs?
5. What are the effect of strike action on achieving economic growth.
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Ho: Strike action does not help in achieving union aims.
Hi: Strike action help in achieving union aims.
Ho: Strike action discourages economic growth.
Hi: Strike action encourages economic growth.
Ho: Constitutionally laid down procedure is not the most effective means of setting action.
Hi: Constitutionally laid down procedure is the most effective means of setting action.
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is intended to help union members of any established organization either public or private toward realizing the importance of well organized strike action that will bring about growth on the organization. It also will help government parastatals towards solving employee grievances and strike action. Teachers in particular will benefit immensely for this work as Nigeria union of teachers was used as the case study. It will help them to know their legitimate rights as employees and how to institute strike as a tool of compelling government to implement certain welfare practices that will boost their moral towards work.
In Nigeria of today, both private and public organization are facing a lot of problems owing to strike action by workers or employees. This has inevitably rescued to low productivity in most firms and to some it has been of great employer as confusion is always the resultant effect, this work will therefore be of great important to the employees and employers on the private sector of the economy. Student who want to do a further research on this topic can also benefits from this study. Even during assignment and research findings any student that lays his or her hand in this work will improve academically.
1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
It is contact that in a research study like this, it is always difficult to cover all possible grounds one would wish to. There are a number of factors which constitute impediment to this accomplishment. First among these factors is time, the short period that is required to accomplish and submit this work, coupled with the time spent on other courses gave me the highest trouble and hindered me to an extent a more elaborate search into the study.
Again, the data gathering for writing this research paper was being carried on at this time, the Nigeria union of teachers is facing a hard time of non-payment of salaries. This created a great problem of administering the questionnaire to the respondents, thus it was not possible to collect as much information as one had wished.
Finally, finance was my greatest constraints thus it was not possible for me to get at many schools so as to get a more valid information nevertheless, the research purpose were moderately accomplished not in the least be cause of these problems but largely in spite of them.
1.9 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
There are some terms that is being used here in this work that I will like to explain more 80 as to enable every body that comes across this work to understand it better.
1. STRIKE- I is a cessation of work by a body of employed persons acting in combination or a concerned refusal under a common understanding of any number of employed persons to continue to work for an employer in consequence of a dispute done as a means of compelling their employer on any person or body of persons employed to aid other workers.
2. GRIEVANCE- This means real or imagined case for compliant or protest.
3. TRADE DISPUTE- It means debating, arguing and quarreling in words when buying and selling of goods or services, exchange of goods for money or other goods.
4. ECONOMIC GROWTH- It means designed to give a profit in the science of production distribution and consumption of goods condition of a country as to material prosperity.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Impact Of Strike Action In The Achievement Of Trade Union Aims In An Organization:
Strike actions can have a significant impact on the achievement of trade union aims within an organization. Trade unions are formed to protect and advance the rights and interests of workers, and strikes are one of the most powerful tools they have at their disposal to achieve their goals. Here are some of the ways in which strike actions can influence the achievement of trade union aims:
Bargaining Power: Strikes can increase the bargaining power of a trade union when negotiating with employers. The threat of a strike or an actual strike can compel employers to take the union’s demands more seriously and be more willing to make concessions in negotiations.
Improved Working Conditions: One of the primary aims of trade unions is to improve working conditions for their members. Strikes can put pressure on employers to address issues such as safety concerns, working hours, wages, and benefits. When employers see that a strike is causing disruption and financial losses, they may be more inclined to make improvements.
Wage Increases: Trade unions often seek to secure better wages for their members. Strikes can force employers to raise wages in order to resolve labor disputes and bring employees back to work. This can lead to tangible financial benefits for union members.
Legal Protections: In many countries, striking is a legally protected right for workers. Successful strikes can reinforce these legal protections and demonstrate the importance of workers’ rights. This can have a long-term impact on the legal and regulatory framework governing labor relations.
Solidarity and Unity: Strikes can foster a sense of solidarity and unity among union members. When workers see that their colleagues are willing to take collective action, it can motivate them to become more active in the union and support its goals.
Public Awareness: Strikes often garner media attention and public support. This can help trade unions raise awareness about their issues and gain sympathy from the general public. Public support can put additional pressure on employers to negotiate with the union.
Long-term Agreements: Successful strikes can lead to the establishment of long-term labor agreements that provide stability and benefits to workers over an extended period. These agreements can help achieve some of the union’s long-term objectives.
However, it’s important to note that strikes also come with risks and potential drawbacks, including financial losses for both workers and employers, strained labor relations, and potential damage to an organization’s reputation. Therefore, trade unions often weigh the potential benefits against the risks when considering strike actions.
In summary, strike actions can be a powerful tool for trade unions to achieve their aims by increasing bargaining power, improving working conditions, securing wage increases, reinforcing legal protections, fostering unity, raising public awareness, and establishing long-term agreements. However, the effectiveness of strikes depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the organization, the support of union members, and the broader political and economic context.