Influence of Subcontracting Processes on Wages and Workloads in the Building Construction Industry in Nigeria

Abstract

There is a paucity of information on the experience of subcontracted work despite the widespread use of subcontracting in the building construction industry. This study examined the influence of subcontracting processes on wages and workloads in the building construction industry in Nigeria. Data collection for the study was based on a cross-sectional research design with a survey research strategy, including a structured questionnaire and some key informant interviews. A sample of 908 subcontracted workers was randomly selected from 388 building construction sites in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data obtained from the structured questionnaire were subjected to descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while an ethnographic technique was used to analyze the data from the interviews. The regression results (β = –0.046; p < 0.05) showed that to some extent subcontracting processes significantly influenced workers’ participation in wage determination; and that the regression results (β = –0.040; p < 0.05) revealed that to some extent subcontracting processes significantly influenced workers’ participation in the determination of workloads in the building construction industry in Nigeria. Wages and workloads are inappropriate when the degree of influence of the subcontracting process on workers' participation in the determination of wages and workloads in the building construction industry is considered. These findings imply that working in a subcontracting system could promote the alienation of subcontracted workers from the determination of wages and workloads, thereby showing the need for adequate protection for the affected workers. Therefore, the subcontracted workers in Lagos state should strengthen their associations to achieve justice and decent work in the building construction industry.

Keywords: Building Construction; Subcontracted Workers; Wages; Workload.