STRIKE ACTION AND WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

Strikes have become a global phenomenon with increasing incidence in many countries and the potential to impact negatively on the productivity of employee in socio-economic development of manufacturing companies in Nigeria. In most democratic societies, strikes are a legitimate part of collective bargaining during labour negotiations Bankole,(2003). Strikes have been reported in highly developed countries such as USA, UK, New Zealand, Germany and France. Also in less developed countries such as Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia to name but a few. According to Kennie (2009) strikes occur globally, it appears the impact of strikes are more severely felt in less developed countries because of the poorer socioeconomic circumstances and embedded infrastructural deficiencies.
Striking employees face a loss of income, job insecurity, and emotional distress, plus long hours of work for employees who choose not to participate in the strike action Bankole,(2005). Whether or not their demands are eventually met, employees that have been involved in strikes usually end up disillusioned and demotivated and may end up emigrating overseas or relocating within the country thereby leading to either internal or external brain drain. For example, striking employees in Lagos State reported an “overwhelming feeling of complete lack of confidence and trust in the hospital management team’ Buhari,(2010).