An Investigation of the Causes of Strike and It’s Impact on Student Academic Performance
CHAPTER ONE
PURPOSE OF STUDY
The purpose of this study is to probe into the effectiveness of an investigation of causes of strike objectives from the management. This study is based on a case study of LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY.
Precisely, the study is focused on following issues, “tools’ for achieving union demands from management using strike as the major tools in achieving union objectives.
The recommendation which will be based mainly on the findings of the research will be implemented to strengthen the effectiveness of strike action as means of achieving union objectives. If on the other hand, the study suggest a better way of achieving union aims than strike, then of course the mentored will be recommended.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Labour (Academic Staff) Union
Allen (2007), defined labour union as an organization of employees that uses collective action to advance its members’ interest in regards to wages and working conditions. They form or join because of the belief that there is strength in unity. Trade Union Decree 1973 as cited by Babafaros (2013) viewed labour union as any combination of temporary and permanent workers or employees, the purpose of which is to regulate the terms and conditions of employment of workers. Academic staff unions are in the context of labor relation, it is the continuous relationship between lecturers and the government. Their relation includes negotiation of contract about pay, hour and other terms and condition of employment. Rosemary (1993) established that trade unions are seen as the legitimate representative of labours and conflicts arising from the clash of interest are resolved, if possible by bargaining and compromise and if not, by overt power. Emenyonu (2006) is of the opinion that the fundamental purpose of trade union is to promote and protect the interest of their members
Strike
Allen (2007) documented that strike is an effort by employee to withhold work so that the employer will make greater concessions at the bargaining table. It is opined that it is a major bargaining weapon used by the labour union. It is varied from economic strike where the employees stop work until the demand for better condition of employment is met to sit-down strike where employee strike but remain at work place. Emenyowu (2006) asserted that strikes are most politically charged of all the features of industrial relation. Strikes are too often a weapon of first rather than last resort. However, labour unions have recognized that a strike is a legitimate last resort if all else fails. Babafaros (2013) sees strike as a temporary stoppage of work aimed at forcing the employers to accept employees demand. Strike is seen as Collective organized, cessation or slowdown of work by employees, to force acceptance of their demands by the employer. The legality of the strike action requires: approval by the majority of employees by ballot; independent verification to ascertain the majority support the vote; the notice of impending strike must be given to employer in advance; the employer must be provided with the result of the ballot; final notice to embark on the strike must be issued to the employer (Business dictionary, 2015). International Labour Organisation (2011) posits that strike is the most visible and controversial form of collective action in the event of a labour dispute and is often seen as the last resort of workers’ organizations in pursuit of their demands. Section 2(q) of the Industrial Dispute Act defines strike as cessation of work by a body of persons employed in any industry acting in combination; a concerted refusal or a refusal under a common understanding of any number of persons who are or have been so employed to continue to work or to accept employment (Saharay, 2013).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain an investigation of the causes of strike and it’s impact on student academic performance. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of causes of strike and it’s impact on student academic performance
Summary
This study was on an investigation of the causes of strike and it’s impact on student academic performance. The purpose of the study is the effectiveness of an investigation of causes of strike objectives from the management. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Lagos State University. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The research concludes that strike action serves as drag to the academic success of the students with the negative far reaching effect on the Nigeria education system. It causes unreasonable extension of the programme which has aftermath effect on the economy through millions of labour hours lost.
Recommendation
The Study recommends that no matter the grievances, academic union and other union bodies that operate in education sector should not resort to the strike as weapon of bargaining.
- Joint Consultation Committee that would comprise government representative, academic staff representative, representative of other relevant stakeholders in the education sector should be set up and meet on periodic intervals to discuss impending matters that could generate dispute. This committee should be backed up with the necessary legislations and the decision made thereof should be final and binding on the governments, and the unions.
- Nigeria governments should also respect the sanctity of the contract and desist from defaulting whenever they enter into agreement with unions.
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