The Management of Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday rejected allegations of unfair labour practices as members of the Hotel and Personal Services Senior Staff Association, HOPSSSA, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, staged a picketing action at the hotel’s premises in the Federal Capital Territory over unionisation rights.
In a statement signed by the Cluster Director, Human Resources, Niyi Agoro, the hotel said it respects the constitutional right of workers to freedom of association but rejects claims that management has prevented or attempted to prevent employees from exercising that right.
The hotel noted that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right of every citizen to freedom of association, and that Management fully respects that provision.
It emphasized that the same right also includes “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.
“The decision to join or not to join a union must be voluntary and freely made by the individual employee in line with labour law. The decision by some employees not to unionise at this time is a matter of their individual choice.”
According to the Management, feedback from staff shows satisfaction with existing welfare structures, open-door communication channels, improved employment conditions, timely payment of salaries and benefits, as well as better access to training and career development opportunities.
It described as inaccurate the allegation that Management 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 added that the hotel has relevant internal committees and grievance-resolution mechanisms designed to facilitate constructive employee engagement.
Over the years, the Management said it has continued to review and enhance employee welfare and working conditions. These include investments in HMO coverage, training and development programmes, career progression pathways, 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, industrial action that disrupts guest services, obstructs access to the Hotel, or interferes with employees who wish to perform their duties does not serve the interests of workers, guests, Management, or the wider hospitality industry.”
Acknowleding the right to peaceful protest, Management expressed concern over what it described as “the forceful blockade of the Hotel’s access points” during Monday’s picketing.
The hotel said the action inconvenienced guests checking in and out, employees reporting for duty, business partners, and other stakeholders.
It disclosed that it is working with relevant security and regulatory authorities to safeguard lives and property, maintain public order, and ensure that access to the Hotel 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 hotel reiterated that its ongoing transformation and ambition to position the Abuja Continental Hotel as Nigeria’s premier luxury and MICE destination can only be achieved through the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of its employees.
“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.
It remains committed to providing a safe, fair, inclusive, respectful, and rewarding workplace where every employee’s rights are respected and their contributions are valued.
It stated: “We firmly believe that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and good-faith engagement, not disruption, remain the most effective means of resolving differences and advancing the interests of all stakeholders.