CAUSES AND EFFECT OF LABOUR UNREST IN THE NIGERIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM

CAUSES AND EFFECT OF LABOUR UNREST IN THE NIGERIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM

(A CASE STUDY OF IGALAMELA-ODOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)

ABSTRACT

This project work delved into the causes and effects of labour unrest in Nigeria Local Government System using Igalamela/Odolu local government as a case study. In order to guide us, some hypotheses were formulated. Based on the hypotheses, questions were generated and administered to some selected population and the data collected were analyzed. From the data analysis, some findings were arrived at among which were the fact that irregular payment of salaries in the local government causes labour unrest, and that labour unrest leads to low productivity and poor service delivery. In order to overcome these problems, some recommendations were made which include the need to pay workers’ salaries regularly and deemphasize political patronage in staff recruitment in the local government.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Labour Management Conflict has become a feature of Nigerian organizations in the recent past especially in the public sector organizations including local government councils. Records available have shown that there was conflict between labour and management of their respective organizations in the past decades. The one in the present dispensation, particularly as from late 1990’s, appears to be more frequent. While it is expected that labour and management should work harmoniously together with a view to achieving the common goals of the organization, this expectation is not always fulfilled in the real life. This is because in most cases labour and management tend to have divergent views.

This divergence arises from the different expectations of the two parties.

The foregoing situations have caused labour management unrest over the years. Hence, this study is out to find out the causes and consequences of such conflicts on both the local government as an organization and the employees with a view to finding solutions to this endemic problem in the local government.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In any organization, conflict is its number one enemy. This is true because no meaningful achievement can be recorded in the face of crisis or conflict in an organization.

It is however disturbing that management-labour relation in the local government councils in Nigeria has been strained all these years especially since drawn of democratic governance in May 29^th, 1999 to date. Studies carried out by many social scientists have indicated that productivity in the local government has been nose-diving due to labour unrest. This situation is very dangerous if allowed to continue unchecked, because as we know local government as the closest level of government to the people ought to chart the course of development for the entire society. The absence of tranquility between labour and management will therefore affect this development of the entire society.

Taking the foregoing into consideration, this study will look at the following problems;

1. What are the likely causes of labour unrest in the local government?
2. What are the consequences of such conflicts?
3. How can solution be found to labour unrest in the local government?

Igalamela/Odolu local government council is therefore chosen of the study.

1.3   PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

                The purpose of this study centred on the following thus:

1. Identification of the causes of labour unrest in the local government
2. To identify the consequences of labour unrest in the local government
3. To suggest possible solutions that can reduce, if not eliminate labour unrest in the Nigeria local government.

1.4   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is of great importance to the management of local government, as it will help them to know the causes and consequences of frequent face-off between labour and management in the local government and how to guide against such conflict.

It will also be of immense importance to the labour leaders in the local government as it will educate them on the causes and effects of labour unrest in the local government, not only on the local government but on them (employees) as stake holders in the local government.

The study will also benefit students and researchers as the findings and recommendations would be good reference to them for further studies where need be.

1.5   SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

SCOPE

This study covers the causes and effects of labour unrest in local government administration. Igalamela/Odolu local government is chosen as case study.

LIMITATIONS

This study was constrained by financial inadequacies on the part of the research. This prevented him from getting across to other local governments and thereby making him to choose Igalamela/Odolu local government as my case study. Another limitation was the dearth of relevant literature in the environment of the study, which prevented him from having adequate literature. These not withstanding, available ones were made use of.

1.6   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In the course of this research, the following questions were asked:

1. Does irregularity of salary and other entitlements are contribute to labour unrest in the local government?
2. What are the factors responsible for labour unrest in the local government?

• In your own view, do you think politicization of staff recruitment in the local government is the cause of labour unrest there in?

1. Can you attribute the rising drop in development (in all ramifications) in the local government to labour unrest?

1.7   DEFINITION OF TERMS

        LABOUR: This refers to the workforce in an organization

LABOUR UNREST: This means incessant conflict between the labour and the management which results into stoppage of work in an organization.

CONFLICT: This means a disagreement arising between persons or groups.

MANAGEMENT: This refers to the highest echelon of the local government or an organization who decides the policy and programmes of the local government on an organization.

LABOUR UNION: This refers to the conglomeration or the coming together of the workforce in a particular organization with a view to achieving the organizational goal.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: This is a forum where the representatives of labour and management come together to discuss issues of common interest.

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