Wage Differentials and Industrial Disputes in Nigerian Hospitals

Abstract

The study examined medical and Para-medical staff perception of the impact of wage differential on industrial disputes in Nigerian hospitals. A sample of 1109 respondents were purposively selected from Primary, Secondary and Tertiary hospitals in South-South Geo-political Zone of Nigeria (SSGZN). Information was elicited from respondents via structured questionnaire. Elicited data was analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that wage differentials in terms of basic salary, hazard and fringe benefit allowance significantly influenced industrial disputes in Nigerian hospitals. The study further revealed that socio-demographic predictors such as sex, age, category of staff, educational qualification and rank could also influence the incidence of industrial disputes in Nigerian hospitals. We recommended among others policy reform options and the upward review of medical and para-medical staff wages in Nigeria.