Strike Actions and Its Effects on Industrial Relations in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, agitations for better working conditions have often resulted in industrial disputes culminating in strikes, work to rule, lock outs and other actions. This is because, workers all over the world desire recognition, better salaries and wages and great improvements in the terms and conditions of work. However, despite efforts made to ensure effective stability in industrial relations at various organisations and institutions in Nigeria, strike still occurs through economic strike and sympathy strike. The study thus examines strike actions and its effects on Industrial Relations in Nigeria using federal medical center (FMC), Keffi as a study. Descriptive research design was adopted, while the data used for the empirical analysis were generated through structured questionnaires and were analyzed using binary logistic regression estimation method. Findings from the study showed that economic strike has a significant effect on industrial relations among FMC staff in Keffi. More so, the study shows that sympathy strike has a significant effect on industrial relations among FMC staff in Keffi. Based on these findings, the study recommends that there is the need for governments, business organizations, employers of labour, employees, organizations and all stakeholders in industrial relations to embrace collective bargaining as the machinery to resolve industrial disputes. This would promote industrial harmony, enhance employees’ performance, increase productivity and improve the living standards of the generality of the people.