Abuja Continental Hotel Workers Reject TUC Picketing Threats, Say Union Does Not Represent Their Interests
Workers seconded to Abuja Continental Hotel by various outsourcing firms have dissociated themselves from threats of picketing by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), stating that the proposed action does not reflect their position or interests.
The workers’ stance follows a warning issued in Abuja by TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, that hotels preventing unionisation would face the full weight of organised labour. In his address, Osifo specifically mentioned Abuja Continental Hotel, accusing management of preventing workers from being organised and warning of possible industrial action.
In response, a spokesman for the workers at Abuja Continental Hotel said employees enjoy open channels of communication with management and have no cause to resort to industrial action.
“Workers are constitutionally free to decide whether or not to belong to a trade union. We can choose to join or not. It’s not by force. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees the freedom of association,” he said.
He added that the TUC constitution also recognises the voluntary nature of union membership. “Section 12 of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) constitution also specifically states that membership of the union is voluntary,” he noted.
The workers stated that they have no need for unionism because they already enjoy the benefits unions claim to be fighting for.
“For years, we have received our salaries and benefits regularly. We have HMO and other staff welfare packages. Our management operates an open-door policy and we have existing channels to address any concerns,” he said.
“We are satisfied with how we currently engage with Abuja Continental Hotel; our interests are being adequately protected. Our decision not to participate in any picketing is deliberate. We urge the public and our guests not to associate us with the planned industrial action.”
The workers’ spokesman explained that Abuja Continental Hotel Management has consistently stated categorically that it fully recognises and respects the right of its employees to freedom of association and has, at no time, prevented, intimidated, coerced, or otherwise sought to influence any staff member in the exercise of their constitutional right to freely associate.
According to him, the Management of Abuja Continental Hotel holds the Trade Union Congress and the entire labour movement in the highest regard as critical partners in nation building and workers’ welfare. He added that management also believes in dialogue, mutual respect, and industrial harmony.
“We have implicit confidence in Management’s commitment to our welfare, career growth, and aspirations. It is this trust that is driving the ongoing transformation to rekindle Abuja Continental Hotel as Nigeria’s premier destination for luxury and the major hospitality hub in Nigeria,” the spokesman added.
“Through the internal established channels, the management has remained open to any engagement with us and has continued to provide a conducive, safe, and rewarding work environment where every employee can thrive.”
He concluded: “We will continue to ensure that the hotel operates normally and we assure all guests, partners, and stakeholders of uninterrupted world-class service.”