THE NEXUS IN PRIVATIZATION, JOB SECURITY AND STRIKE ACTION: BALANCING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN POWER AND RULES?

Abstract

Although privatization has emerged as a prominent strategy worldwide, including Nigeria, to enhance efficiency and attract investments, yet it often triggers job losses and instils a sense of insecurity among employees. In this context, safeguarding job security becomes paramount. Strike action serves as a powerful means to protect workers' interests during privatization when other channels fail. However, the legal framework surrounding strikes in Nigeria presents challenges, particularly regarding their legal status. Furthermore, the implications of this legal contraint on the effectiveness of strikes as a tool for safeguarding workers' interests remain a subject of debate. By exploring the impact of privatization on employment stability and critically analyzing the legal framework governing strikes, this research elucidates the challenges posed by the legal status of strikes in Nigeria. The research concludes that despite the procedural constraints for strikes under the Nigerian labour jurisdiction, workers can still embark on strike actions in Nigeria. This work also sheds light on the implications of recent constitutional amendments, revealing the evolving landscape for strike actions and its impact on workers' rights to strike in Nigeria.