SHOWDOWN AT ABUJA CONTINENTAL: OUTSOURCED WORKERS DUMP TUC, SAY “YOU DON’T SPEAK FOR US!”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE drama over unionisation at Abuja Continental Hotel has taken a fresh twist as workers seconded to the hotel by outsourcing firms have publicly dumped the Trade Union Congress (TUC), declaring that the labour centre does not represent them.
The workers washed their hands off the TUC’s threat to picket the luxury hotel, insisting the move has nothing to do with their interest or position.
This follows a warning by TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, that hotels blocking unionisation would face the full wrath of organised labour — with Abuja Continental Hotel singled out for alleged anti-union actions.
But firing back, Samuel Esiakpoyere spokesman for the outsourced staff said they enjoy cordial, open communication with management and have no reason to embark on industrial action.
“Workers are constitutionally free to decide whether or not to belong to a trade union. It’s not by force. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of association,” he stressed.
He added that Section 12 of the TUC constitution itself affirms that membership is voluntary.
The workers stated that they have no need for unionism 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; 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.”
“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 in Nigeria ,” the spokesman added.
“Through the internal established 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.”
“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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