Collective bargaining as a catalyst to industrial harmony in Nigeria’s Public Service. South East Public Service in perspective

Abstract

One of the most important functions of organized labor in Nigeria is collective bargaining. Absence of it brings about industrial disharmony which affects performance. This study therefore focused on collective bargaining as a catalyst for industrial harmony in the public service in Nigeria with peculiar emphasis on South-East geopolitical zone. Two research questions and two hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey method of investigation. Data obtained were analyzed using Mean index, mean, standard deviation and independent t-test. The analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. The result of the hypotheses test shows that; state governments poor response to public servants grievances fuelled industrial disharmony and that their non adherence to collective bargaining agreements disrupted industrial peace in South East public service between 2010-2022. Based on the findings of this study, the research recommended that; state governments of South East, Nigeria should through the relevant agencies maintain flow of communication with the Labour Unions, giving response to workers grievances, adhere to collective agreements and avoid communication gap. The implication is that if the recommendations of this study are implemented, there will be relative industrial harmony in the public service of South East states that will engender growth and development of the public service and the economy of the entire zone.