A Trade Union is an organization comprising of workers in a particular field or industry. The main goal of Trade Unions is to protect and advance the interests of their members in the workplace. Employers don’t have a say on how Trade Unions are to be run.
Why Is Trade Union Relevant in Nigeria?
Trade Union is relevant in Nigeria because for a very long time the interests of employees have been held with a grain of salt. The terrible working conditions of employees, the late payment, and measly salary, among others, are some of the reasons why Trade Unions are relevant in this country. We will give you a much broader perspective of trade Union relevancy in Nigeria.
1. Collective bargaining
Trade Unions bring people with a common or slightly common problem together. With the same goal in mind, it’s easier for them to come up with a more plausible approach to how they will solve their problems. This also means different ideologies and solutions can be presented, and the saying “two heads are better than one” applies to Trade Unions. This will help in coming up with a more suitable solution to their problem.
Besides, members of a Trade Union will have one voice and one course of action. If they all agree to go on strike, everyone must go on strike. This makes it easier for their employers to consider their request since no worker is willing to go against the union.
2. The minorities have a voice
Nigeria and most countries in the world do not see the minorities as a mouthpiece on matters of the state. Even though they are the ones who brought them to power, they do not consider them essential in the decision-making process. With Trade Unions, Nigerians can get their voices heard. If their request is ignored, the unification of everyone under the trade Union will make it easier to take steps that the government and their employers will have to react to.
3. Nation-building
Trade Unions indirectly help in building Nigeria without most even knowing. When employees fight for better pay or better working condition if their request is met then the standard of living and the comfort in one’s workplace increases. Most frustration stems from the workplace, so if an employee’s workplace was more conducive and productive, it will have a positive effect on everyone.
When such happy workers leave the office feeling fulfilled and with enough money to spend, they will be able to spread cheerfulness around and also provide for their family and save some money for rainy days. In the long run, this will have a positive effect on the economy.
4. Stronger negotiating power
There is power in numbers, and in Nigeria, this kind of power is what is needed. The denial or nonchalant attitude of employers towards employee’s rights will change. It isn’t just one person that is raising his voice, a number of people are, so it’s much more possible to make the employer bend to the will of the employees. It is known universally that the more followers a particular cause has, the more likely a positive response will be gotten. Trade Unions make this easily achievable.
For instance, in Nigeria, the government always delays the paying of salaries and this affects workers terribly because that is the source of income they rely on. The worse part is, as years go by, the government is getting more confident in owing workers’ salaries for six straight months. Through Trade Unions, Nigerians are able to come together in unison and take actions that will prompt the government to pay all their salaries.
5. Financial and legal advice
The people who usually head Trade Unions are experts in their field with a long year of service. This is advantageous because their knowledge of certain issues will help younger staff make better decisions. Besides, it is easier to reach the people heading a trade Union than an employer, so you can easily approach any one of them and ask for their advice. The best part is, they are always willing to help.
6. Everybody’s opinion matters
Either you’re a top executive or an entry-level staff, everyone has a voice in the decision-making process of Trade Unions. In business meetings, only top executives are considered, however, this is not the case in Trade Unions. For once, low-level staff can have a say in the affairs that directly or indirectly affects them.
Conclusion
In Nigeria, Trade Unions are relevant, especially with the high rate of corruption and mismanagement in both the public and private sectors. With Trade Unions, Nigerians are able to correct misconducts and fight for their right and those of their co-workers. Without Trade Unions, it will hard for Nigerians to survive against greedy capitalists and a self-centered government.