IMPLICATIONS OF STRIKE ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The main thrust of this paper is to analyze and discuss the socio-economic implications of industrial conflicts, particularly strikes, in Nigeria. The industrial conflict was identified as the discord that occurs when the goals, interests, or values of different individuals or groups in an industrial setting are incompatible. Conflict is however, inevitable. Such attributes as a refusal of union recognition, public policies, failure of collective bargaining, etc., were identified as some of the reasons and causes of industrial conflicts. However, the paper identified that the strike incidence and propensity in Nigeria are alarming. The paper further averred that while industrial conflicts, strikes, and work stoppages affect tremendously the economic development of Nigeria through low national productivity, it also has serious economic, sociological and educational consequences such as the dislocation and severance of the socialization function of work. The paper, therefore, recommended that all stakeholders involved in industrial relations should adopt systematic and sustainable mechanisms which include collective bargaining in addition to political solutions toward arresting the embarrassing, incessant, and recurring spate of strikes.