Abuja Continental Hotel picketed over labour rights dispute

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a protest at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, picketing the entrance to demand workers' rights.

The unions allege that the hotel management is engaging in anti-labour practices by preventing employees from joining trade unions and engaging in collective bargaining. TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro stated that the union had attempted to resolve the dispute through dialogue since August 4, but management reportedly deferred discussions until the end of November due to ongoing renovations.

In response, the management of Abuja Continental Hotel rejected allegations of unfair labour practices. The hotel maintains that it respects the constitutional right to freedom of association but emphasizes that the decision to join a union must be voluntary. Management also noted that some employees have expressed satisfaction with existing welfare structures and communication channels.

Additionally, some workers engaged through outsourcing firms have dissociated themselves from the picketing, stating that the industrial action does not represent their interests and that they enjoy regular benefits and open communication with management.