Unfair Labour Practices in Industrial Relations in Nigeria and the Role of the National Industrial Court

Abstract

Basically, the relationship between the employer and the employee is taken as regulated by the individual contract of employment with vital aspect of the contract agreed upon by the parties without interference. The reality is that the freedom of contract does not appropriately consider parties who for economic, social and political reason are in a position that hardly can such a party be said to possess any bargaining strength. This invariably creates unfair and uncivilized industrial relation practices. These are practices that do not conform with best practices in the labour circle as may be enjoined by local and international bodies. Although, there are legislations which protect the right of workers, it is amazing they still suffer some unwholesome acts. These practices include Casualization of Workers, Poor Remuneration, Discrimination at Work, Wrongful dismissal and Sexual Harassment; but not limited to the ones mentioned, as the list is unending. Hence the urgent need to curb this menace, that is ravaging the labour sector.The thrust of this paper is to shed light on the unfair labour practices in industrial relations and the role of the National Industrial Court in handling such unfair labour practice. Keywords: Unfair Practices, Employers, Employee, Contract of Employment, uncivilized, National Industrial Court, Worker and Labour DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/119-11 Publication date: March 31 st 2022