POPULAR TRADE ASSOCIATION IN NIGERIA
1. TRADE AND PROFESSIONALISM ASSOCIATION
We all know the famous saying that “Unity is strength”. Therefore, it was after 18th century the idea of unionism was felt by the workers as to avoid dehumanizing experiences on the past revolution. Trade Associations are organisations formed by people who are engaged in particular trade branches of trade. Their functions include:
(1) Dissemination of information.
(2) Collective action in negotiations with the trade unions.
(3) Political forces.
(4) Settlement of dispute-the Association have the ability of settling dispute which may arise within members and the entire national crisis.
2. TRADE UNION (NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS)
This could be defined as any combination of persons whether temporary or permanent. The principal purpose is the regulation of relations between workers and masters vice versa. Whether such combination would be enacted or not have been deemed to have unlawful combination by reasons of someone or for the purposes of trade.
Their functions are discussed below:
- Wages negations through collective bargaining.
- Improvement of working conditions. For instance, they are responsible for forecasting and seeking from the Government the hours or days to participate in working.
- Policy information.
- Settlements of disputes
- Political pressure. Some countries with the exemption of Nigeria, the union are responsible for raising funds to any members that are being elected as the candidate of a particular political party.
3. CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
The chamber of commerce are not profit making bodies. They are regionally based as opposed to professionalism and trade Association which are nationally based.
Their objectives include:
(a) To promote, protect, and develop all matters affecting commerce and industry in Nigeria by all lawful means.
(b) To consider ail questions connected with commerce and industry.
(c) To promote, support or oppose legislative or other major factors affecting commerce and industry.
(d) To collect and circulate all commercial statistics of all kinds.
(e) To promote the aims and objectives of any societies or Associations having similar objectives with those of the Association.
(f) To promote co-operation and solidarity among members.
FUNCTIONS OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
(1) They collaborate together and pursue a common course on matters affecting them in the Government.
(2) By disseminating information to members.
(3) Journals are distributed to members which may be statistical in nature.
(4) They also has the responsibilities of negotiation for representative or agents abroad.
(5) Settlement of disputes among members.
(6) They are responsible for negotiating certificate of origin for membes.
(7) They also act as clearing house.
