CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The revolt of workers began after the industrial development and has pressed through several phases. In order to improve workers condition of service the civil service came up in 1912 safeguarding the interest of their fellow workers which lead to the first general strike of 1945.
The civilian in Nigeria (1960)-(1966) witness serious agitation for general wage increase. Hence the sodomu report of 1961 recommended upward revision of salaries but not implemented. Agitation persisted and lead to the unfortunate and expensive general strike of 1964. The strike was a practical testimony that the policy of non interference in labour management matters adopted from 1960-1965 was ineffective.
The 1964 general strike which lost the nation on estimated N20 million and the outbreak of the civil war in 1967 made it clear that the national could not afford the disruptive consequence of individual action by workers in all sector of the economy. Hence there was that mead for legislative to ensure prevalence of industrial peace during the period of military era.
a. Decree N0. 21 1968 trade dispute (emergency provision) Decree. This Decree out lowed strike or lock out. It provided that voluntary agreement reached between labour and measurement legally blending where settlement could not be reached to dispute referred to the commissioner of labour who would appoint a conciliator to mediate in the dispute where it falls they can appoint an arbitrator.
b. Decree No 53 (emergency provision Amendment) 1969. this was just extension of Decree 21 of 1968 about expiring it again reinforce the prohibition of all the strikes and locked out.
c. Decree N0 31. The Trade Union Decree 1973. This was the result of belief that one of the mai n reasons for the industrial crisis during that period was the existence of multiplicity of workers organizations.
d. Decree No. 44 Trade Union Decree 1976. This Decree promulgated in August, 1976. Dissolute all existence central labour organization purporting to represent the National work force as a whole. It imposes a fine of N2,000 and or a jail term of 2 years for any one claiming to form or revive it.
e. Trade Dispute (1977). As a result of Trade Union Organization in 1976. The government took further to ensure order and equity in conduct of labour relations in the country. This Trade Dispute Act of 1977, therefore, lifted the ban of lock outs and general strike impose under decree No. 53 at 1969.