IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF STAFF IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ( A STUDY OF ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY BAUCHI (ATBU)

ABSTRACT The study assessed the impact of collective bargaining on the productivity of staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions, determined the nature of collective bargaining agreements in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, discussed the process of negotiations through collective bargaining in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, analyzed the dispute resolution mechanism on collective bargaining outcomes in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi and identified how collective bargaining outcomes influence staff productivity in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi. The target population consists of academic staff of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. According to institutional records, the total number is 882. the research instrument used was questionnaire. The study found that collective bargaining agreements at ATBU predominantly cover critical issues such as wages and salaries, promotions, career advancement, research support, and welfare benefits, Negotiations are typically initiated by staff unions to advocate for members’ interests, followed by active involvement from university management. In situations where disputes escalate, government intervention may be required. The study revealed that strike action remains the most frequently employed mechanism, accounting for nearly one-third of responses. Based on the findings, the researchers therefore recommennded that; University management and government should prioritize the timely and full implementation of collective bargaining agreements to maintain staff trust and motivation, greater emphasis should be placed on dialogue, mediation, and arbitration as primary methods for resolving disputes, thereby reducing the overreliance on strike actions and both union leaders and university administrators should undergo training in negotiation and conflict management to improve the efficiency and fairness of the bargaining process.