TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
of the study
1.2 Problem of
Study
1.3 Objective
of the Study
1.4 Relevance
of the study
1.5 Research
hypothesis
1.6 Research
Questions
1.7 Limitation
of the Study
1.8 Operational
Terms
1.9 Organisation
of the Study
1.10 History of
PHCN
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Introduction
2.1 National
Development – Concept and Measurement
2.2 Measurement
of Development
2.2.1 Importance
of the Human Factor in industrial/National Development
2.3 Role of
Government in Effective Human Resource Management
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research Design and Methodology
3.1 Research
Design
3.2 Population
of the Study
3.3 Sample
Size
3.4 Research
Instrument
3.5 Research
Hypothesis
3.6 Statistical
Technique
3.7 Limitation
of Techniques
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Data
Presentation and Analysis
4.2 Presentation
of Data
4.3 Testing of
the Project’s Hypotheses
4.4 A General
Overview
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary,
Recommendation and Conclusion
5.1 Summary of
Findings
5.2 Recommendation
for Reforms
5.3 Conclusion
Bibliography
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Industrial conflict is no new phenomenon. Literature is
vast with contributions from authors, researchers and "News hunters".
In the event (If an overtly demonstrated conflict (strike) varied opinions are
expressed as to the causing factors and the impacts of the strike on the
employees, employers and the state.
The three actors bears the blame though varied magnitude
depending on the circumstance and role played by the actor in either aggravating
or resolving the crisis.
The question that is often enacted is "why societal
segregation with pluralistic groups? Biblically, the segregation into master
(employer) and servant (employee) groups exist to show this has been time
immemorial.
However, the bible posits ethical behavior expected of
the servant to the master and vice-versa. The servant is to obey legal orders
of the master in performing his or her duties while the master is to give to
the servants their appropriate dues (wages and salaries) and avoid threatening
but motivating the workers. Strike is often frowned at when one considers the
overwhelming destructive outcome of a protracted crisis. These theories
supporting the unitary ideology had vehemently preached that employers and the
employees should see themselves a one and partners in progress. As such no one
should rock the boat lest they both sink.
According to the 1927 International Labour Office (ILO)
Report, communist theory (unitary) of trade union presents two aspects which
differ according to whether action is contemplated under a capitalist regime,
it is the duty of the evolutionary trade union to unite, discipline and educate
the masses with a view to the abolition of capitalism, and to progress towards
the creation of a socialist regime. In
terms of structure, attempts should be made to convert craft unions into
industrial unions and one undertaking one union should be the norm, enabling
all classes of workers in an undertaking or factory to form a compact group in
the face of employer however, under a proletarian
or communist regime, the trade union according to Burkharin and Preobrazhensky,
must transform themselves into economic sections and organs of the state power.
The illogicality of strike by workers when industry has become public property
and Bourgeoisie capitalists has been overt thrown automatically follows.
The year 1938 was a landmark in the history of modern trade
unionism in Nigeria, for it saw the beginning of a coherent public labour
policy, under pressure from the British colonial office in London, the trade
union ordinance which formerly legalized trade unions and made provision for their internal administration and external regulations. The intent of the
law was to prepare Nigeria for the inevitable trade disputes, which would
naturally accompany industrialization.
In view of the above positive consideration, strikes
(conflicts) are not an aberration of ethical behavior but a necessary evil to
promote development.
However, balance needs to be struck. Too much of conflict
can paralyse the life and structure of a nation while increasing level of
conflict leads to progressive growth in industrialization and unionization.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Over the years, Nigeria has had its fair share of
industrial conflict. In this introductory part, I will briefly take a
historical overview on accessions where collective actions are strategically
employed (employers and repressive government).
Much of the easy development of trade unions occurred
around and immediately after the First World War (1914) in which Nigeria alone
with other West Africa British colonies participated with British Government.
As should be expected, the effect of war on cost of living or war bonus as it
was when popularly known, became an issue in trade union circles during and
immediately after the war.
In response to demands for wages increase, the then
Secretary of State for the Colonies appointed a one-man commission, Sir A
Renton, to enquire into the report on the condition of living of the native
staff. Following this enquiry 10% of wages was granted on war bonus but the
staff and workers generally considered the rate inadequately. The demand of the
union varies from 25 to 50% wage increase.
Inspite of petitions and pressure by labour unions, the
government refuse d to grant the offer.
News of work stoppages spread through the railways. The
General Manager refused to give consideration to the union's grievance and
demand for wages increase until the strikers resumed duty. They claimed that
the grievance was not known before the strike and so the action was
unconstitutional and illegal.
The above strike action which saw the mediate of Prince
Eleko, the Oba of Lagos, was the first organized strike in Nigeria. On their
part, the Union leader agreed to call off the strike in Nigeria. On the part of
the Union leaders, there would be no victimization of strikers and that the
grievance and claim was wage increase would be settled without out delay. The strike was eventually called off on January
19, 1920 on the government agreement to accept the conditions requested by the
union.
Otobo (1988) writing on the colonial state and industrial
relations with special attention on colonial labour policies states that
"labour policy in the period 1862 to 1900 was directed stable labour
force, ensuring a ready market for imported goods and wares and, to generate
conditions favourable for 'legitimate trade' and other commercial activities of
increasing importance to metropolitan business and to European national
rivalries.
1.2 PROBLEM OF STUDY
Industrial conflict
disrupts the achievement of the economic growth and development for the nation
as a result of the loss of output in the industries affected.
Industrial conflict (strike) also has political
implications to the state and government labour relations. This is because it
could arouse political agitations on
ordinary citizens due to strikes in strategic or essential sector of the
economy, such as the nationwide strike embarked upon to force Abacha's regime
to de-annul the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won
by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
Moreso, industrial conflict (strike) could largely fuel
cost-push and excess liquidity,
inflation in the national economy as a result of workers winning. Large wage
countries are not likely to attract foreign investment from individual foreign
industrialist, thereby constituting a barrier, blocking the achievement of
state development objectives.
Industrial conflict (strike) also affects the
employers/management through loss of productivity, loss of output inability to
meet customers' demands, inability to supply customers' orders on schedule,
loss of profits, etc.
Other losses include the loss of contract years as client
avoid a company likely to face a strike action.
This study seeks to investigate the effect of industrial
conflict on national development in Nigeria with a view to proffering the, way
forward for industrial harmony and development in Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are to examine the concepts
of industrial conflict vis-a-vis National development. The objectives therefore
include the following:
1) To identify the effects of industrial
conflict in its diverse forms on the employers of labour and their employees.
2) To identify
the impact of industrial conflict on national development.
3) To identify sources of industrial conflict
(external and Internal) in industrial relations.
4) To identify the various forms of conflict
resolution such as IAP, NIC, Conciliation and mediation, etc.
5) To proffer
solutions to industrial conflict in Nigeria
1.4 RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY
In a country like
Nigeria where economic, social and political environment are occurrences of
conflict in industries can never be ruled out. That there are no open or overt
demonstration of grievances (strikes and lockouts) does not rule out the
existence of other forms of conflict expressions.
A study of this nature is of high importance, more so no
that the Nigeria, industrial relations system is experiencing and increase in
such overt manifestations.
As indicated earlier, the year 1994 records strike involving
NUPENG, PENGASAN, factors of Nigeria Labour Congress, Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) and the Volatile politically motivated public
demonstrations.
Directly or indirectly, there have been untold
implications on the development of the nation and a research on it is timely.
Man-hour loss due to the various manifestations of
conflicts has had tremendous negative effects on productivity as regards
quantity and quality of outputs.
The extent to which industrial conflicts affects
productivity, hence the level of national development. This forms the bedrock
of this research.
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
This project is specifically set to empirically set to
test empirically, the hypothesis that "industrial conflict affects
corporate productivity and the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) hence retarding national development.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The research shall
deem it fit to answer the following questions, in order to satisfy the
objectives of the study.
- What is
industrial conflict and national development?
- What are
the causes of industrial conflict?
- Is there
any linkage between industrial conflict and national development?
- What are the structural reforms put in
place to reduce industrial conflict in Nigeria?
- What are
the basic strategies for measuring industrial conflict?
- What are the determinants of workers
attainment or intergenerational income mobility.
- What are structural implications of
industrial conflict on National development?
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
In carrying out this study there were a number of
obstacles faced, which affected the comprehensiveness of the study.
The obstacle faced in carrying out this study includes:
i) Reluctance
of the personnel of private establishments in giving information.
ii) Inability
of obtaining current information from government
agencies.
iii) Time constraint is also a contributing factor
iv) Difficulty
in getting relevant textbooks, seminar papers, journals, and so on.
v) Financial
constraints.
The researcher inspite of these tried her very best to
make this study a comprehensive one by going extra length.
1.8 OPERATIONAL TERMS
The operational terms of the research relates to the
extent to which it would wing its arms and the study shall consider the flow of
government expenditure on labour force and Per capita Gross Domestic Product
(PGDP), revolving round the sphere of Nigeria economy between 1987 to 2007.
Thus, efforts shall be made to enunciate and amplify upon the work of other
researchers that had mentioned much on industrial conflict and national
development over the years.
1.9 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY
The research shall consist of five chapters. Chapter one
consists of the introduction, chapter two shall review relevant literature and
theoretical framework on National Development and Industrial Conflict. Chapter
three shall be purely methodological issue. The presentation and analysis of
data shall be stated in chapter four. Finally, chapter five consist of summary,
conclusion and recommendation
CONFLICT
The right to strike is a keystone of modern society. No
society which lacks that rights can be democratic. Any society which seeks to
become democratic must secure that right.
The question as to whether employees have a fundamental
right to strike has been the object of considerable academic debate and is a
point on which judicial opinions have continually been expressed. There is no
doubt that workers throughout the world are alike in the sense that they desire
recognition, satisfaction, fair wages and salaries, job security, redress of
wrongs and good working conditions. But often the employer and the union
(representing workers) find themselves in sharp disagreement. Such friction or disagreement gives rise to trade
disputes and strikes.
The right to strike is a crucial weapon in the armoury of
organized labour. The rights is a
result of several years of struggle by the working class. The history of this struggle
is one of constant class battles, fierce reprisals by the management and the
authorities against strikers and heroic self-sacrifice by workers. The right to
strike has now been accepted as an
indispensable components of a democratic society and fundamental human right.
Employees
Why do employees through their union go on strike or
exhibit other forms of industrial conflict?
Answer to this vital question centres on the perceived
and actual purpose of industrial conflict as purposeless conflict will yield no
dividend.
Clark Kerr and Abraham Siegel (1954) in a study carried
out entitled "The Inter-Industry Propensity to Strike" shows that
"some industries are more likely to experience strike activities more than
others". They compared the propensity to strike in various industries were
high in virtually all countries especially mining, shipping, long shoring,
lumbering and textiles. The lowest industries in terms of strikes where
clothing, public utilities, hotel and restaurant facilities, trade agriculture
and railways. They related a high incidence of strike to physical isolation of
workers and workplace in industries.
EMPLOYERS
On the employers, the implications of strike (conflict)
are manifold. The list include:
- Loss of
production output
- Stoppage of
services offered customers
- Inability
to meet contracted deadline for product or service delivery which could lead to
litigation and a huge sum paid on damages for the breach of contract.
- Loss of corporate goodwill and
retardation of growth as implementation of tactical and strategic plans are
distorted.
- Loss of managerial time
- Reduced
turnover and corporate profitability
- Loss of
market share to competitors
- Cost of recruitment, selection,
placement, socialization and training of new hands to replace relevant
employees lost as a result of strike actions.
1.10 HISTORY OF PHCN
In the early 1960s, the Niger Dam Authorities (NDA) and
Electricity Corporation amalgamated to form the Electricity Corporation of
Nigeria (ECN). Immediately after the Nigeria Civil War the management of ECN
changed its nomenclature to NEPA. What is currently called the Power Holding
Company of Nigeria was formerly known as National Electric Power.
For several years despite consistent perceived cash
investment by the federal government, power outages have been the standard for
the Nigeria populace, and are now seen as normal by the citizens of the country.
LOCAL
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
The government has divided the current PHCN distribution sector into separate companies or
entitles that will be called Local Electric Distribution Companies or Local Distribution
Companies (LDC) among the regions.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The sample consists of procedures enrolled in payment of
bills by way of banks. The Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, has made
settling customers monthly electricity bills easier, hence the introduction of
the bank revenue collection system to complement the operations of the cash
offices in PHCN premises. This program is to facilitate prompt and regular
settlement of the PHCN\s monthly bills, as customers are no longer expected to
travel far outside their immediate neighbourhood
to settle PHCN bills.
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