Abuja Continental Hotel staff reject TUC picketing threat

Workers at the Abuja Continental Hotel have formally dissociated themselves from threats by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to picket the facility, declaring that the planned action does not reflect their interests or represent their position.

The development follows a warning by TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo, who accused the hotel management of obstructing worker unionization and cautioned that non-compliant establishments would face industrial action by organized labour.

Countering the labour body’s stance, hotel workers’ spokesperson Samuel Esiakpoyere clarified that employees maintain productive, open communication with leadership and have no reason to embark on industrial dispute.

He emphasized that union membership remains entirely voluntary under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, as well as Section 12 of the TUC’s own constitution.

Esiakpoyere explained that staff currently enjoy the very welfare provisions unions typically seek, including prompt salary payments, comprehensive health insurance (HMO), and active internal resolution mechanisms.

He noted that because of the welfare and professional interests are consistently safeguarded through direct management engagement, the workforce has deliberately chosen not to participate in any picketing.

He further affirmed that the hotel management has never coerced, intimidated, or restrained staff regarding their constitutional freedom of association, noting that leadership regards the broader labour movement as a valued partner in nation-building and workplace harmony.

Assuring guests, partners, and the public of uninterrupted hospitality operations, the workers reiterated their confidence in the hotel’s trajectory as a leading luxury destination in the nation’s capital.