It is important to note that a healthy industrial relation, especially in the public service is a paramount factor in motivating or demoralising workers who are key drivers of the economy and Government interventions strategies (if any) and their implementation. It therefore follows that Government has to have a Director of Public Service Management (DPSM) who can strike a balance, ensuring parity between workers’ interests on one hand, and the Employer’s (who happens to be the biggest employer) interests on the other hand.
A cursory look at the number of cases referred to Courts of Laws for adjudication doesn’t augur well for the current administration despite the dented confidence owing to a skewed balance of power by the Executive over the Judiciary. Out of 10 cases referred to Courts of laws, it is safe to say Unions won nine and only one went in favour of the Administration. This by any standard should have worried the establishment and a sober administration would reflect and change strategies with a view to bridging the gap to counter disillusionment brought about by a heavily arrogant and totalitarian administration. Just to buttress this point, in 1997 Government as a member of International Labour Organisation (ILO), ratified Convention 98 – Right of Association and Collective Bargaining.
