TRADE DISPUTES ACT
Act · Labour
An Act provides a framework for preventing and settling trade disputes between employers and workers through conciliation, mediation, and arbitration. It targets employers, workers, trade unions, and dispute resolution bodies. This helps resolve conflicts without industrial action, protecting workers' rights.
TRADE DISPUTES ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act providing the legal framework for the prevention and settlement of trade disputes between employers and workers in Nigeria through conciliation, mediation, and arbitration. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Chapter IV rights to work and freedom of association); Labour Act; Trade Unions Act; National Industrial Court Act; ILO Conventions on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining ratified by Nigeria
Employers and workers in dispute Trade unions representing workers The Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) The National Industrial Court
Who Does It Target?
Workers, trade unions, and employees across all sectors involved in trade disputes. Employers, employer associations, and private companies. The Industrial Arbitration Panel and the National Industrial Court. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment mediating trade disputes.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Provide mechanisms for resolving trade disputes without industrial action wherever possible, protect workers' right to strike in defined circumstances, and establish specialised industrial dispute resolution.
Key Features
Conciliation: Requires parties to attempt conciliation before escalating a dispute. Arbitration: Unresolved disputes are referred to the Industrial Arbitration Panel for binding arbitration. Essential Services: Restricts the right to strike in essential services to protect public welfare. National Industrial Court: Provides for the National Industrial Court as the apex court for industrial disputes.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide employment and industrial relations Beneficiaries: Workers; employers; industrial peace Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Parties must follow prescribed dispute resolution steps before seeking court intervention Trade disputes must be reported to the Ministry of Labour Arbitration panel awards are binding on all parties Application method: File trade dispute reports at the Federal Ministry of Labour.
Important Terms
Industrial action without following prescribed dispute resolution steps may be unlawful Essential service workers have restricted strike rights IAP awards may be challenged at the National Industrial Court
Official Resources
Website: https://www.labour.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment / National Industrial Court
Legal Framework
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Chapter IV rights to work and freedom of association); Labour Act; Trade Unions Act; National Industrial Court Act; ILO Conventions on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining ratified by Nigeria