EXTENT OF IMPACT OF TRADE UNION LEADERSHIP ON INDUSTRIAL STRIKES IN MALAWI

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the extent of impact of Trade Union leadership on strikes in Malawi. The objectives of the study were to discuss the effect of Trade Union leadership on strikes; explain tactics by which Trade Union leadership has influenced the strikes; analyze factors that influence Trade Union leadership to lead the strikes; assess challenges faced by Trade Union leadership in leading the strikes; and examine mechanisms on how trade union leadership can be improved to manage the strikes in the country. The study was conducted to 22 organizations and 15 Trade Unions. Stratified sampling technique was used to select trade unions while purposive sampling method was employed to select a total of 150 respondents of which 137 participants responded to questionnaires. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Science Students (SPSS) to analyze data. Frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and linear graphs were used to present the data. The study found that the effect of Trade Union leadership on strikes is relatively to a smaller extent nationally. However, the effect is extensive in unionized organizations largely at enterprise level. The study recommends that both trade union leadership and employers must engage in contact and dialogue; and undergo training in conflict resolution to enable them handle disputes that may arise between them.