Voluntarism, Trade Union Membership Dichotomy and Collective Bargaining under the Nigerian Labour Law

Abstract

Trade union movement in Nigeria has been consumed with industrial crisis due, partly to unfair labour practices and stakeholders are alarmed that this sharp practice, if not nip in the bud will be a clog in the wheel of progress. Much as they attempt to perform their statutory responsibilities towards their members, trade union movement is under threat as the fulfillment of this sacrosanct duties seem illusory and unrealizable. This paper examines the existing Nigerian labour laws as they relate to allowing workers to form and belong to any trade union of their choice in order to promote industrial coherence. The paper argues that erosion of fundamental principles and rights at work, particularly freedom of association and collective bargaining occurs increasingly through the use of non-standard forms of trade union membership, which is not receiving adequate administrative attention. It concludes that unless trade unions build strong membership and maintain stable structures, the credibility of the trade union movement would be called to question.