Members of the Hotel and Personal Service Senior Staff Association, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), picketed the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday over alleged labor violations, poor working conditions, and rights abuses.
The union also cited management’s refusal to allow workers to unionize and exercise their constitutional right to freedom of association.
Demonstrators gathered at the premises as early as 6:00 a.m. but were blocked at the entrance by hotel security officers when they attempted to gain access.
Following the standoff at the entrance, union members set up a picket line, effectively blocking access to the hotel premises.
Union representatives informed reporters that industrial action became unavoidable after repeated attempts to engage management in dialogue proved unsuccessful.
At the time of reporting, police officers and hotel staff were actively resisting efforts by the union to lock the hotel’s primary gates.
The union accused hotel management of engaging in practices that infringed upon the rights and welfare of its workforce, particularly regarding freedom of association and baseline working conditions.
Meanwhile, there is a heavy security presence, as personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force, remained stationed at the scene as the demonstration continued.
The picketing is expected to continue until the issues raised by the union are addressed and efforts are made to resolve the dispute between the workers and the hotel management.
Backstory…
The picketing by TUC comes after employees of the hotel distanced themselves from the Trade Union Congress’s (TUC) picketing threats, claiming that the move does not reflect their interests or perspective.
The workers cited Section 12 of the TUC Constitution, which makes union membership optional, and Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protects freedom of association.
Speaking prior, Comrade Samuel Esiakpoyere, a spokesman for the workers at the Abuja Continental Hotel, said in a statement yesterday that there is no reason for the staff to take industrial action because they have open lines of contact with management.
The workers stated that they have no need for unionism at this time because they already enjoy the benefits unions claim to be fighting for.
Additionally, he claimed that the management of Abuja Continental Hotel regards the Trade Union Congress and the broader labour movement as key partners in fostering national development and supporting worker welfare.
The management spokesperson added that the hotel remains committed to constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and industrial harmony.
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