Senior Correspondent, Education & Labour. TV Host at TVC NEWS, Sharon Ijasan, recently Published a book titled The Tripartite: Understanding the interplay between Workers, Employers and the Government.
The book is an in-depth study of labour dynamics, a domain where the stakes are high, and the impacts are profound. It explains labour issues and laws and provides an interesting dialogue that occurs between workers, employers, and the government.
Below are the summaries of each chapter of the book.
In Chapter One, we introduce The Tripartite System by showing the relationships in the world of work: workers, employers, and government. This is one institution that has helped in regulating labour policies and workplace dynamics in and around the world. Beyond that, there’s the discussion on how political issues, emerging labour issues, and the inclusion of women and youth influence how the system functions.
Issues of the history and structure of the Nigerian Trade Unions form Chapter Two, which goes to account for how Nigeria’s trade unions came into being, especially before and immediately after independence. What are the roles that these associations have played in securing workers’ rights and their evolution through the years? Other key organisations that are discussed in the chapter are the Trade Union Congress, popularly known as TUC, and the Federation of Senior Staff Associations of Nigeria, otherwise known as FEESAN. In addition, leadership challenges within the labour movement are discussed. The chapter also refers to important milestones in May Day celebrations and the continued struggle for a decent minimum wage.
In Chapter Three, Labour Laws and Health Challenges, we review the existing legislative protections for workers in Nigeria. Where do these laws face practical challenges? We look closely at specific occupational health hazards faced by workers in the industry, such as chemical exposures, physical health hazards, and biological hazards, alongside the issue of workplace injuries. This chapter also discusses issues that arise about unionisation, casualisation of labour, and the position of unions concerning defending the rights of their members.
Chapter Four discusses International Labour Relations and Diplomacy at the global level. How does Nigeria engage in international discussions related to labour, and what role does it play in the setting of standards at the global level? This chapter looks at the position of Nigeria as a social partner in concert with other countries to maintain good labour practices through diplomatic channels.
Chapter Five revisits Contemporary Issues in African Labour. This chapter discusses a few of the issues that are at the forefront of today’s African labour market. Among these are COVID-19 and its impacts, child labour, climate change, and increased digital work. Further, we discuss the movement towards a universal wage and how migration patterns are affecting the workforce across the continent.
In Chapter Six, I narrate my journey covering Labour issues. Having watched and reported on labour movements for years, I look back at my experiences of covering such events as the Kaduna mass sack, the death of Mr Soje, the struggle for the 30,000 Naira minimum wage, and many other more sombre moments. The chapter shares insight into participation at global and African ITUC conferences and shares rewarding moments, as well as daunting ones when covering the stories.
This book is an overall study of labour issues, laws, and movements. Each chapter answers critical questions and gives an understanding of the forces that shape labour relations. By the end, you will have a better understanding of how the relationships among workers, employers, and government affect the working world.
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