Abuja Continental workers reject TUC picketing

Workers engaged at the Abuja Continental Hotel through various outsourcing companies have rejected a planned picketing of the facility by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), insisting that the industrial action does not represent their interests.

The workers’ position came as TUC members, led by the Hotel and Personal Services Senior Staff Association (HAPSSSA), an affiliate of the congress, shut the hotel’s entrance on Monday over alleged violations of workers’ rights, unfair labour practices and poor working conditions.

The protest, which reportedly began around 6am, drew a heavy security presence, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, said the protest was necessary because workers at the hotel were allegedly being denied fundamental rights, particularly the freedom to unionise and engage in collective bargaining.

“Workers are being treated as slaves in Abuja Continental. Their rights have been violated. They are not allowed to exercise their fundamental human rights. And that is why we are here,” Toro said.

He said the union had made efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue, including writing to the hotel management on August 4 to request a meeting.

According to Toro, management responded that it would not be available for discussions until the end of November because of an ongoing renovation exercise.

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He described the response as unacceptable, arguing that workers’ grievances should not be suspended for several months.

Toro said the picketing would continue until Friday, when the union would assess the situation and determine its next line of action.

“We will be here this week, from now until Friday. We will review it on Friday. If they are ready to talk, we will talk. We want a peaceful resolution. And that’s what we stand for,” he said.

The TUC official also dismissed claims that the protesters did not represent the hotel’s workforce, insisting that employees were willing to join the union.

“The workers are members there. They are resolute. They are ready to join the union. And we will ensure that their rights are guaranteed,” he said.

However, the workers, through their spokesman, Samuel Esiakpoyere, said they deliberately stayed away from the protest because they were satisfied with their existing welfare arrangements and relationship with management.

“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,” he said, citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

He also referred to Section 12 of the TUC constitution, which he said recognises the voluntary nature of union membership.

According to the workers, they receive their salaries and benefits regularly and enjoy Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) services and other welfare packages.

“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,” Esiakpoyere said.

He further denied allegations that management had prevented employees from exercising their right to freedom of association.

“Our management, the 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,” he said.