A Qualitative Assessment of Socio-Economic Implications of Industrial Conflicts in Nigeria

Abstract

The endemic industrial conflicts in Nigeria have been a great concern not only to the employers or employees but to the society because of their economic dislocation and effects on national productivity. The study relies on Marxist (conflict) theory as a theoretical fulcrum having recognized that an organization consists of people with conflicting interests and constant competition for limited resources. Thus, this study aims at assessing the socio-economic implications of industrial conflicts in Nigeria using qualitative research methodology. Secondary data were collated from relevant literature, journals, publications, government documents and internet materials, supported by in-depth interviews of seventy-seven (77) randomly selected informants comprising trade unionists and federal government officials. The findings of the study revealed that incessant industrial unrest by Nigerian workers are caused by unpaid or poor emolument and unconducive working conditions of workers, obnoxious policies of the government, ineffective communication and breach of collective agreements reached by feuding parties during bargaining among others. The findings also revealed that industrial actions lead to low productivity as a result of loss of manpower, administrative paralysis, loss of revenue, discouragement of direct foreign investment, economic hardship and social stigma. It is, therefore, concluded that disharmony between the government and the labour will continue unless the government implements good salary structure and better welfare package for its workforce, engages the labour unions in decision making and honours the previous collective agreements among industrial actors.