Globalization and the Future of Trade Unionism: In the Nigeria Public Service in Perspective

Abstract

Trade unionism is part of workplace activities. It also guarantees industrial harmony if properly practiced. Trade unionism is one of the rights of workers to enable them channel whatever grievances they may have from time to time.  However, the era of globalization tends to impact negatively on trade unionism especially in the Nigerian public service.  Some of the jobs hitherto performed by civil servants have been given out to private organizations while others have been privatized.  Job lose have been the order of the day as a result of this.  The welfare of Nigerian civil servants is not quite guaranteed due to globalization.  The paper sees globalisation as focusing its attention on private businesses while it frowns at public businesses. In order to curb the negative effects of globalization on trade unionism in the Nigerian civil service, the paper recommends, amongst others, that the umbrella bodies of all trade unions in Nigeria should sensitise their members to align themselves to the dictates of globalization while new skills should be acquired so as to adapt to the new realities.

Keywords: civil service, globalization, jobs, trade unionism, workers.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-1-09