TUC pickets Abuja Continental Hotel over unfair labour practices

…As Management rejects claims, defends workers’ right to voluntary association

Members of the Hotel and Personal Services Senior Staff Association (HOPSSSA), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), on Monday commenced picketing operations at the Abuja Continental Hotel, accusing the facility’s leadership of subjecting workers to unfair labour practices and anti-union policies.

Union leaders alleged that hotel employees were being mistreated and denied basic trade union representation rights, claiming that previous attempts to hold dialogue with management had been rebuffed.

Reacting, the Management of Abuja Continental Hotel dismissed allegations of unfair labour practices, mistreatment, or resistance to workers’ rights.

Speaking on behalf of the Hotel, Niyi Agoro, Cluster Director of Human Resources noted that while the hotel fully recognizes the constitutional right of workers to associate freely under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, that principle equally protects an employee’s choice not to join a trade union.

He explained that the current non-unionized status of certain staff members represents an independent, individual choice rather than institutional coercion.

He further highlighted existing internal welfare structures, competitive working conditions, health insurance (HMO) coverage, prompt salary payments, and active grievance-resolution mechanisms as evidence of positive employee relations.

Addressing the picketing action, he voiced serious concern over the barricading of entry points, noting that obstructing guests, staff, and partners disrupted operations.

He further revealed that the hotel has engaged security and regulatory agencies to maintain order and keep the facility open, reiterating its commitment to lawful, constructive dialogue rather than industrial actions that impede the hospitality sector.