How to resolve workplace conflicts

The President, National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Employees (NUCFRLANMPE), Comrade Babatunde Olatunji, has urged governments at all levels, employers in the private sector, workers and trade unions to uphold and utilise collective bargaining machinery to prevent conflicts and crises in the workplace.

Olatunji said collective bargaining machinery must be properly utilised for the prevention of conflicts; while proper training and development must also be in place.

In a paper he presented, entitled, ‘’Steps in conflict resolution process: NUCFRLANMPE experience’ at a workshop in Lagos, he said there must be an organisational dynamic approach to managing conflicts.

Besides, he identified effective communication between workers and management; rewards which should be based on merit and proper job enrichment and enlargement, such as career development, promotion and motivation, as other conditions necessary in preventing conflict.