COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN WEST AFRICA: NAVIGATING A NEW GLOBAL ORDER

Abstract

A critical approach that strengthens the international bargaining power of West African states is regional integration. The collective bargaining of West African states in a changing global order is a critical issue for the future of the region. By finding new ways to cooperate and bargain collectively, West African states can protect their interests and ensure that they benefit from the opportunities of the global economy. The changing global order is characterized by increased globalization, technological innovation, and shifts in power dynamics. These changes are creating new challenges and opportunities for West African states. West African states need to adapt their approach to collective bargaining to meet these challenges and seize these opportunities. The study relies heavily on the postulations of Dependency Theory and Afrocentrism. This research study utilized qualitative forms of data sourced from secondary sources that include newspaper and magazine articles, textbooks, journals, and other print sources. The method of data analysis was also qualitative as the study engaged content analysis in a considerable volume of literature to expunge appropriate data for the study. This study revealed that collective bargaining of West African states is essential for the region's economic development and political stability. By working together through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) therefore, West African states can pool their resources and negotiate more effectively with the world powers. The study also discovered that West African states can also strengthen their collective bargaining power through South-South cooperation. By working together with other developing countries, West African states can gain a stronger voice in the global arena. South-South cooperation can also help West African states to access new technologies and resources, which can give them a competitive advantage in the global economy.