Abuja Continental rejects labour claims, says unionisation must be voluntary
The Management of Abuja Continental Hotel has rejected allegations of unfair labour practices following a picketing action by members of the Hotel and Personal Services Senior Staff Association (HOPSSSA), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), over workers’ unionisation rights.
In a statement signed by the Cluster Director, Human Resources, Niyi Agoro, the hotel said it respects workers’ constitutional right to freedom of association but denied preventing or attempting to prevent employees from exercising that right.
The management cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, stressing that the right also encompasses the freedom not to associate.
“Equally important is the principle that freedom of association includes the freedom not to associate. No employee should be compelled, coerced, intimidated, or unduly influenced to join or belong to any association or trade union,” Agoro stated.
He added that the decision to join a union must be voluntary and freely made by individual employees in accordance with labour laws.
According to the hotel, feedback from employees indicates satisfaction with existing welfare structures, open-door communication channels, improved employment conditions, timely payment of salaries and benefits, as well as increased access to training and career development.
The management also dismissed as inaccurate claims that it had “rebuffed efforts to meet” with union representatives.
“Abuja Continental Hotel operates an open-door policy and maintains established channels through which employees can raise concerns, seek clarification, and have workplace issues addressed,” the statement said.
It said the hotel has internal committees and grievance-resolution mechanisms designed to promote constructive engagement with employees.
The management further said it had continued to improve staff welfare and working conditions through investments in HMO coverage, training and development, career progression programmes and other employee-focused initiatives.
“We remain willing to engage constructively with legitimate stakeholders in a peaceful, respectful, and lawful manner on matters affecting our employees,” Agoro said.
However, he expressed concern over the impact of the picketing on hotel operations, particularly what management described as the “forceful blockade of the Hotel’s access points.”
According to the hotel, the action inconvenienced guests checking in and out, employees reporting for duty, business partners and other stakeholders.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, the management said industrial action that disrupts guest services, obstructs access to the hotel or interferes with employees who wish to work does not serve the interests of workers, guests, management or the wider hospitality industry.
The hotel disclosed that it was working with relevant security and regulatory authorities to safeguard lives and property, maintain public order and ensure that access to the premises is managed in accordance with applicable laws.
“Despite the disruption to business, Abuja Continental Hotel remains open and continues to provide services to its guests,” the statement added.
The management said its ongoing transformation and ambition to position Abuja Continental Hotel as Nigeria’s premier luxury and MICE destination depend on the dedication and professionalism of its workforce.
“Abuja Continental Hotel deeply values its workforce. We therefore reiterate unequivocally that Management is not opposed to workers’ freedom of association; we are opposed to coercion, intimidation, and the infringement of any employee’s freedom to make an independent choice,” Agoro said.
The hotel reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, fair, inclusive, respectful and rewarding workplace, while urging stakeholders to pursue dialogue and good-faith engagement rather than disruption in resolving differences.
