A Survey of Perception of Members of the Use of Industrial Action in Resolving Labour Disputes Among Selected Trade Unions in the Education Sector in Kisumu County

Abstract

The use of industrial action by workers in the education sector in settling disputes with their employers is a common occurrence in Kenya. This study examined the perception of members of the use of industrial action in resolving labor disputes among selected trade unions in the education sector in Kisumu County. Descriptive survey research design was used to study the perception of 200 members of trade unions in the education sector using stratified random sampling method. The data collection instrument was a self administered semi structured questionnaire and the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The main causes of industrial action in the education sector include demand for better salary and welfare and failure to honor collective bargaining agreements by the employers. Sack threats made to employees during an industrial action are never implemented. This has made employees immune to such threats and so do not adhere to them. Industrial action also causes harm to innocent learners leading to their poor performance. As an effort to avert industrial actions, the employer should adopt a more proactive approach to managing crisis situations through a collective bargaining and effective negotiation. The employers in the education sector should incorporate employees or their unions on issues pertaining to their welfare to help avert industrial actions. The employer should also try as much as possible to honor collective bargaining agreements reached between them and the employees in order to avert the recurrence of industrial actions.