Abuja Continental Hotel Workers Reject TUC’s Planned Picketing, Cite Section 12 of Union’s Constitution
Ejiofor Alike
The workers of Abuja Continental Hotel have dissociated themselves from the threats of picketing by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), insisting that the action does not represent their position or interests.
The workers cited Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association and Section 12 of TUC Constitution, which makes membership of the union voluntary.
The President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, had accused Abuja Continental Hotel and other hotels of preventing unionisation and threatened actions by the organised labour.
In a response, a spokesman for Abuja Continental Hotel workers, Comrade Samuel Esiakpoyere, said in a statement yesterday that the employees enjoy open channels of communication with the management and have no cause to resort to industrial action.
“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.
He added that the TUC constitution also 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.
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.
“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.
“We are satisfied with how we currently engage with Abuja Continental Hotel management and believe 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.”
“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,” the workers’ spokesman explained.
According to him, the Management of Abuja Continental Hotel holds the Trade Union Congress and the entire labour movement in the highest regard as critical partners in nation building and workers’ welfare.
The workers’ spokesman added that the management also believes in dialogue, mutual respect, and industrial harmony.
“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 the heart of the nation’s capital,” the spokesman added.
“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.”
“We will continue to ensure that the hotel operates normally and we assure all guests, partners, and stakeholders of uninterrupted world-class service,” the spokesman concluded.
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