The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Promotion of Good Employer-Employee Relations in Nigeria Local Government Service in the 21st Century

Abstract

The work is about improving the working relationship between the management which represents the employer and the workers that represent the employees in the local government service system. The main objective of the work is how to address the high level of suspicion on the organization which had characterized the relationship between the labour (workers) and management in the local government service at present in Nigeria. This has been responsible for low output performance at this third tier level of government in Nigeria.The study adopted a theoretical framework of analysis which helped, in explaining the causes of the constant struggle, mutual suspicion, antagonism and hatred which had existed between labour and management in organizations, especially as it applied to the local government service in Nigeria today. The theoretical framework adopted was the scientific management theory as propounded by Frederick Taylor in 1911.This theory apart from explaining the basis of conflict between labour and management in organization; also proffered some possible solutions on how such conflicts can be amicably and mutually resolved to the benefit of both parties. The major findings of the work showed there are so much antagonism and inefficiency within the local government service in Nigeria today. This had been attributed to the fact that labour and management are permanent enemies, and both struggle to undermine each other’s efforts. The solution to the problem as identified in the work lies in the promotion of good employer-employee relationship in the local government service through the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) playing some expected positive roles. Some of these expected positive roles by NULGE amongst other things have been aptly captured and discussed in the main body of the work.