I am aware it became a failure because of some reasons. We must interrogate why past efforts failed and then assemble selfless team of engineers to think outside the box and design a new model
One of the reasons it likely failed is that we tried to copy the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), or even the Doctors' unions. These models are not suited for us.
* If we copy doctors, we will fail.
* If we copy ASUU, we will most assuredly fail.
* If we copy the NLC, it will be a flat failure.
Our peculiarity and the sensitive, strategic nature of our job require a new, balanced approach to our professional rights.
*The Historical antecedent*
Fortunately, we have a template that worked in this Nigeria before the birth of the modern NLC. We have the foundation to build on that history and set a new precedent on how engineering unions should operate.
This will take us back to when engineers and technical staff were among the most powerful labor groups in the country—not a single, monolithic union, but many strategically united unions of technical staff.
For instance, the most powerful and decisive strike in the history of pre-independent Nigeria was not led by a major national centre, but by technical staff, specifically the Joint Executive of Government Technical Workers (including Railway Engineers and Technicians) in 1945.
This action crippled transportation and communication, forcing the colonial administration to call for a truce and grant significant wage increases in 1946.
This historical event proves that the power of engineers lies in the strategic importance of their technical skills, not just in their sheer numbers.
*Proposed Two-Tier Structure: NSE and Divisional Unions*
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) can maintain its current role as the professional association but must delegate the partial union status and collective bargaining function to the Divisions of the NSE.
The concept of a partial union status is key to our strategy: it keeps us in frame for balance as a professional entity as well as a pressure group when necessary.
We will have a kind of appeal to the relevant authority as an organization that values dialogue. Our collective effort will not be unnecessarily invoked but will be handy should there be a breakdown of dialogue and our members are in danger at work.
This decentralized model allows for quick, targeted action and is designed to necessitate more commitment from members.
* Partial Union Status for Divisions: Specialized groups, such as the Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Biomedical, Aviation, Chemical, and other Divisions of the NSE, can organize their members for welfare and advocacy.
* Professional Status Remains: The central NSE body retains its function of professional registration, standards, and ethics. It should also have a level control over the Divisions just in case someone at the top absuse their office.
* Unity in Action: The central NSE body serves as the coordination and unification point should collective action be required. Especially when the Divisions is unable to resolve it alone.
A Scenario: Strategic, Decisive Action
Now, let's assume an engineer in the power sector (Electrical Division) is unjustly victimized at work. The Electrical Division can mediate and intervene through dialogue and constructive engagement with the employer. If dialogue fails, the Division can invoke any of actions such as boycot, or sponsor thw case at industrial court. And of course can union power to issue a warning strike or protest depending on the complexity of issues.
If they victimize those involved, the Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Aviation, and all other Divisions can join in a show of solidarity. This will cause a huge, systemic problem for the system, as engineers man strategic, critical national infrastructure positions. Just imagine that kind of power in unison!
I am very sure that other labor organizations will not sit idly by when they witness such decisive action from our bodies. They will begin to respect us and, naturally, seek to team up with us.
The very thought that engineers would join a civil disobedience will cause fear, as it did to the colonial rulers in the past. What will a system be without energy transportation and all? This is no doubt a very intimidating situation. Hence the reason i proposed the model that prioritise dialogue rather than strikes. A single day of engineers collective action can spell disaster as experienced in 1945.
*Implementation: The Road Ahead*
Getting this plan to work will require a long list of steps.
The first critical phase must begin with the assembly of a team of thinkers that includes both young and old engineers. Young people are needed because this is their future and they bring fresh perspectives, while old people are needed because of their wisdom, knowledge, and historical context.
This powerful group will then go into work and:
* Bring out options and evolve our model of professional unionism, which blends the professional association with partial unionism. It is very, very possible.
* Test each hypothesis against the realities of the Nigerian labor landscape.
* Draft a relationship charter with the central NSE body so that these Divisions will further commit to and strengthen the NSE. This will ensure that we do not have a futur csse of abuse of power.
Once this team is done, they will submit their comprehensive report to a joint meeting of the NSE National Leadership and the leadership of all Divisions of the NSE.
They will also seek legal advice on the best way to amend Division by-laws and the NSE structure to officially include this model.
Once we scale through this, we can then begin the implementation actions, setting up a clear Rule of Engagement and formal structural reform.
A New Way Forward
We failed in the past, and that's a good thing, as it offers us a clean slate. Now is the time to think forward and strategize.
We are confident that if we want a way out, we can get it. Our power will be our unity and strategic placement.
NSE's roles?
It will remain the professional body but serve as the centralized coordinating body to invoke the spirit of collectivity should all efforts to dialogue by an affected Division fail.
It will have central unit or department where all the Divisions activities relating to labour matters are handled..
A unique feature of this proposal is self cleansing. The bodies should be able to sanction its own members who are found wanting professionally.
This will make employers reapect us more knowing that our members will uphold standard professional ethics.
Another thing is a departure from old order. Strike at every opportunity..the body will not use the instrumentation of strike unless as last minute tool when all efforts fail and when it is existential.
Our focus will also be on staff welfare ensuring our members are not cheated at work and supporting them in industrial court in event of wrongful dismissal, compensation for safety issues and etc
Honestly, we have a power within us that we barely scratch on the surface. The day Engineers collectively roar in this country, the entire nation will shake and bring back the memory of 1945!
... Isqil Najim
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