Casualization of Labour: Implications of the Triangular Employment Relationship in Nigeria

Abstract

Casualization is a global phenomenon. It is a form of nonstandard work arrangements practized in both developed and developing countries with varying degrees of regulation. Employers see it as a means of cutting costs and achieving flexibility, while workers see it as a work arrangement that denies them the right to employment benefits and to unionize and bargain collectively. This paper examines the concept of casualization and the implications of the triangular employment relationship in Nigeria in the context of international labour standards. It also examines the rights of casual workers to employment benefits and trade union rights in Ghana and China. It argues that the triangular or disguised employment relationship, which is the commonest form of casual employment in the banking and oil and gas sectors in Nigeria, fall outside the purview of the Labour Act. Amongst other things, the paper finds that the triangular or disguised employment relationship does not yield itself to the rights and benefits provided for workers in the traditional employment relationship and that it has segmented the labour market into core, non-core and peripheral zones. The paper calls for a comprehensive review of the Labour Act in line with international labour standards. It recommends the Ghana model with the necessary changes to suit local circumstances.