Abuja Continental workers reject TUC picketing as union shuts hotel gate

By Abubakar Yunusa

Workers transferred to Abuja Continental Hotel by various outsourcing firms have rejected a planned picketing of the facility by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), saying the 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 gate on Monday over alleged violations of workers’ rights, unfair labour practices, and poor working conditions.

The protest, which was reported to have begun as early as 6 am, attracted a heavy presence of security personnel, including police and Department of State Services (DSS) officials.

Nuhu Toro, TUC general secretary, said the action was necessary because the hotel workers were allegedly being denied their fundamental rights, particularly the right 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 attempted to resolve the dispute through dialogue, including writing to the hotel management on August 4 to request a meeting.

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

He described the response as unacceptable, saying workers’ grievances could not be put on hold for several months.

The TUC general secretary said the picketing would continue until Friday, when the union would review the situation and determine its next course 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.

Toro also dismissed suggestions that the protesters did not represent the hotel’s workers, saying the union was confident that employees were willing to join it.

“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, had said they deliberately chose not to participate in the picketing because they were satisfied with their existing welfare arrangements and relationship with the hotel 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,” Esiakpoyere said, citing Section 40 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.

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

The workers said they receive their salaries and benefits regularly and have access to 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 also denied allegations that the hotel management had prevented workers 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.

The workers urged guests and members of the public not to associate them with the industrial action, saying the hotel management had remained open to dialogue and continued to provide a conducive working environment.