Industrial relations in a Recessed Economy: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

The present economic recession is affecting every phase of the Nigerian society including work relations. Whether judged in terms of rising unemployment, decline in workers real income value, falling employment, or stagnated minimum wage and allowances industrial relations in the country has experienced full depredations as a result of economic recession.The aim of this study therefore is to empirically investigate the effect of stagnated remunerations on industrial relations in a recessed economy. The paper specifically examines the influence of stagnated minimum wage and earns allowances on industrial relations in a recessed economy. The study used survey method and data was gathered through a series of selfadministered questionnaire to a sample of 910 employees drawn from a staff population of 17,590 in 15 ministries, 17 departments, 60 parastatals and agencies in Cross River State, Nigeria. Survey monkey statistical model was adopted in selecting the sample. Information gathered from participants was coded and analysed using linear regression analytical procedure. Findings revealed that stagnated minimum wage and earn allowance significantly affect industrial relations in a recessed economy. We recommended among others that government should urgently, and proportionally increase workers minimum wage and allowances that match with the inflation rate in the country