THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRADE UNIONISM IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN ZIMBABWE.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of trade unions in promoting industrial relations in the public sector. The study was underpinned on the following objectives to identify the contribution made by trade unions in enhancing public sector. To examine the effect of trade unions in enhancing public sector industrial relations. To determine the perceptions of employees on the effectiveness of trade unions in enhancing public sector industrial relations .To analyze the challenges faced by trade unions in enhancing public sector industrial relations in Zimbabwe. To develop strategies to be adopted by trade unions in enhancing public sector industrial relations e. The hypotheses of the research are h1:Effective collective bargaining facilitated by trade unions positively influence better wages.h2:industrial disputes resolutions and peace positively influence trade recognition.h3;effective communication by trade unions positively influence membership commitment.h4: Good physical relations between employer and employee facilitated by trade unions positively lead to better financial stability.h5: Economic growth influenced by trade unions positively influence membership growth. The study's theoretical framework was based on four theories: The Goal system, pluralism, Unitarianism, and radical perspective and also used the conceptual framework as well as the empirical review derived from the research objectives. The study also used two types of research instruments which are structured questionnaire and interviews. A total population of 188000 was used and a sample size of 383was used derived from a sample size calculator. A total of 383questionnaires were distributed and a total of 299 returned which yielded a 77.8% response rate and a total of 34 interviews were conducted. The study adopted both descriptive and exploratory research as the main research design. It employed mixed method design where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected from the participants. Reliability and validity of the research instruments were tested using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient and Factor Analysis The researcher used two types of sampling techniques mainly purposive (judgmental) and stratified random sampling. The data was analysed using SPSS version 23. The qualitative data was analysed using Nvivo version 12. The findings also show that apathy and animosity within the organisation decreases the performance of the union, increasing the union continued decline and ineffectiveness. The researcher recommended that Latin Maxim “Nemo judex insua causa rule” meaning those mandated with administrative duties must do so without ulterior motive. The Area of further study recommended is Trade unionism as an organ for resolving organisational conflict. A case of Public sector in Zimbabwe