Governance, collective bargaining and peace culture in labour relations in Nigeria

Abstract

The formation of organized labour in Nigeria can be traced back to the late 1890s. Since then industrial relations on working conditions has been a challenge between the tripartite partners; the employers, employees and government. The struggle for improved working conditions, good governance and human dignity has been on. This struggle by the labour unions to improve on the unfair policies and working conditions has generated severe threat in maintaining peace culture in labour relations. It has adversely been affecting the growth of national economy in relation to global economic change. This situation has created almost total failure on the government as regards her social responsibilities to the citizens. This paper discusses the interconnection of governance, collective bargaining
and peace culture in labour relations in Nigeria. Recommendations regarding how to make peace in a work environment were given such as government and labour being sensitive to early warning on industrial action to avoid conflict escalation, and government providing a situation where employees should exercise industrial democracy.

Keywords: Governance, Collective bargaining, Peace culture, Labour relations, Social responsibilities