Trade Union Movement and Workers Emancipation within the Context of Contrasting Political Climate in Nigeria.

Abstract

The paper examines the trend of trade union movement in Nigeria and its impact on workers emancipation using contrasting political climate in the country as point of reference. It traces the history of lrade union movement from two pre-colonial periods to contemporary time. It also considers the level of class- consciousness among the Nigerian workers including the extentto which their involvement in trade unionism has enhanced their socio-economic and political status. The paper demonstrates that trade unionism thrives better under democratic rule than military dictatorship. However, it observes some challenges facing trade union towards achieving the goal of workers emancipation. It concludes with emphasis on the imperative of responsible trade unionism as a means towards enhancing workers emancipation and overall development of the general population.