Workers Say Planned Industrial Action Does Not Represent Their Interests
Workers seconded to Abuja Continental Hotel by various outsourcing firms have dissociated themselves from the Trade Union Congress (TUC)’s threat to picket the hotel, saying the proposed action does not represent their interests.
The workers’ position followed a warning by TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, that hotels allegedly preventing workers from unionising would face the full weight of organised labour.
Osifo had specifically mentioned Abuja Continental Hotel, accusing its management of preventing workers from organising and warning of possible industrial action.
However, in a statement, spokesman for the workers, Samuel Esiakpoyere, said the employees had no reason to embark on industrial action, stressing that they enjoy open channels of communication with the hotel’s 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. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees the freedom of association,” he said.
Esiakpoyere added that the TUC’s own constitution 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.
According to the workers, they have no immediate need for union representation because they already enjoy many of the benefits traditionally associated with organised labour.
“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.
The workers said their decision not to participate in any planned picketing was deliberate and urged members of the public and guests of the hotel not to associate them with the proposed industrial action.
“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,” Esiakpoyere said.
He further stated that the management of Abuja Continental Hotel had consistently affirmed its recognition and respect for workers’ freedom of association.
“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 explained.
According to the spokesman, the hotel management holds the TUC and the broader labour movement in high regard as critical partners in nation-building and the promotion of workers’ welfare.
He said the management believes in dialogue, mutual respect and industrial harmony, adding that the workers have confidence in its commitment to their welfare and career development.
“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,” he said.
Esiakpoyere added that the hotel’s established internal channels remained open to workers and provided a platform for addressing concerns and engaging management.
“Through the established internal 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 said.
He assured guests, partners and other stakeholders that the workers would continue to support the smooth operation of the hotel.
“We will continue to ensure that the hotel operates normally, and we assure all guests, partners, and stakeholders of uninterrupted world-class service,” he said.
