The Contributions of Labour Union to Nation Building. (Nigeria in Focus)

As written by Mr. Keghyol Solomon

          Traditionally speaking, labour union, also known as trade union was considered as an association of labourers or workers formulated for the purpose of securing improvements in wages, benefits, working conditions and socio-political status through collective bargaining.

          But as time went by, the union’s objectives shifted from struggling to acquire benefits for only its members but instead for the generality of the society. Several studies have shown that, labour unions have rendered selfless services to nation building beyond collective bargaining.

          Historically, there have been organisations of workers in Nigeria before the advent of modern trade unionism. Labour unions in the former British colonies, including Nigeria were not natural developments as in the metropolitan countries but rather a creation of the British colonial office.

          Since the political amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, labour unions have played increasingly powerful roles in the formulation and implementation of public programmes.

          The union’s movement, though, worker-centric have assumed a centre stage at fine-tuning the major policies of government to the benefit of the poor masses.

          They execute these through the instrumentalities of industrial relations like peaceful demonstrations and strike actions. For instance, the Aba women’s riot of 1929, the Imodu led general strike of 1945, the anti-June 12 election annulment strike, the incessant anti-fuel subsidy removal general strike and the persistent ASUU strikes in Nigeria are all efforts toward nation building.

          The impact of labour unions on the Nigerian government can hardly be overlooked. Its constant struggle has put the government and its agencies on their toes, always trying to meet the workers’ demands for improved national output and national development.

          Additionally, the emergence of these trade unions has also become a desired form of association that recognises professionalism and restores the dignity of professional workers. This brings about efficiency and proficiency, thereby, improving productivity.

          The socio-political and economic transitional development of Nigeria in the past six decades cannot be separated from the commitment of labour union movement. This can be seen in the long struggle to the independence of Nigeria in 1960 which was characterised by mass resistance, mass strike and protests by Nigerian workers.

          In the same development, the Nigerian labour union through the Nigerian labour congress, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Union of Journalists among others have served as backbone of the country and played very significant roles in checking and influencing government policies and programmes.

          Despite these numerous contributions to nation building, the union, however, faces copious problems such as poverty, corruption, starvation, exploitation, unemployment, casualisation, marginalisation, terrorism, assassination, insecurity of lives and property among many.

          In order to sustain national growth and development, the government should consider the welfare of workers as a top priority.

          Managers, administrators, proprietors and business owners should not impose the ideology of  workers reward is in heaven but rather allow them to willingly instil the theory in them since their contribution to mankind can, actually not be compensated by the society except, the Heavenly one.

          The philosophy that labourers deserve their wages should be celebrated by employer in order to boost productivity.

          Again, workers on the other hand should practise the fundamentals of organisational discipline and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of their unions and organisations for national development.

           Union leaders on the other hand must not allow the influence of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats to thwart and manipulate the union’s objectives by mere tokenism.

          The involvement of workers in policy formulation and implementation should be encouraged in Nigeria.

          As Nigerian workers join millions of workers all over the world to mark the 130^th anniversary of May Day, they should not only focus on jolly making and jamborees but also reflect on the challenges of working class and how to address major issues like  poverty, uncertainty of jobs, casualisation of workers, insecurity of lives and property, corruption and unemployment.

With these and many more, our country will be a free and egalitarian paradise.