Globalization and Collective Bargaining in Nigeria

Abstract

Globalization has become a worldwide phenomenon affecting all aspects of human endeavour. It has also affected workers’ rights worldwide but the Nigerian situation is among the worst cases. To what extent has globalization aided or hindered collective bargaining in Nigeria and in what ways has Labor managed the situation? These questions serve as motivation for this paper and are addressed through content analysis of relevant documents. In Nigerian, collective bargaining institutions have been constructed and reconstructed in different contexts driven by globalization. Government at all levels in Nigerian subscribed to various provisions of the International Labor Organization but failed to implement them as prescribed. The state and its allies including multinational and transnational companies have manipulated statutory mechanisms that could have guaranteed effective collective bargaining.  Inherent in this situation are various detriments on Labor and aggravated incidence of industrial actions in Nigeria. Therefore this paper argued that though globalization is not completely harmful, however, its operations in Nigeria are such that the setbacks it creates far outweigh its positive influence. In this light, movement for the entrenchment of effective collective bargaining should be intensified and pursued till lasting industrial peace is achieved in the Nigerian industrial relations climate.

Keywords: Labor, Globalization, Collective Bargaining, Industrial Actions, Nigeria