Basic Provision of the Extent to Which the Right to Go on Strike by Trade Unions in Nigeria is Absolute

Abstract

The right to strike is an integral part of the right of workers to associate with other persons to form or join trade unions for the advancement or protection of their interests. This paper examines the basic provision of the extent to which the right to go on strike by trade unions in Nigeria is absolute under various enactments. The paper further examines and reviews the right to strike in some selected jurisdictions. The relevant constitutional provisions entrenching the fundamental right of freedom of association as well as the provisions of other national and international legal instruments which guarantee the right to strike were discussed in full detail. Furthermore, this paper examines the rationale for the ban on strikes in essential services. It also examines the conditions which workers who are not engaged in the provision of essential services must fulfill before they can embark on lawful strikes. These conditions are examined in the light of international labour standards. The paper contained different types of strikes, the steps trade unions follow before going on strike, the right to strike by the trade union, and different schools of thought as regard to trade unions in Nigeria going on strike.