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Abuja Continental Hotel has rejected allegations of anti-labour practices attributed to the Trade Union Congress (TUC), insisting that it remains committed to workers’ rights and dialogue within the framework of a pending case before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Cluster Director of Human Resources, Niyi Agoro, the hotel said an interim injunction had restrained parties from taking steps capable of jeopardising the suit.
The management’s reaction followed media reports concerning a meeting scheduled for October 12 amid an ongoing dispute between the hotel and organised labour.
It said it agreed to the meeting following the disruption of its business activities on August 24 and interventions by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Minister of Labour and Employment, who advised the parties to embrace dialogue.
The hotel, however, said the dispute was already before the National Industrial Court and that it preferred to allow the judicial process to run its course.
It added that it would have no objection to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) if the court considered such a referral appropriate, saying it was willing to participate in any court-directed process aimed at constructive engagement and an amicable settlement.
According to the management, its position and copies of the court order had been communicated to the labour minister, relevant security agencies and the TUC leadership.
“Abuja Continental Hotel has not abandoned dialogue. Our company is committed to dialogue within the ADR channels provided and guaranteed by the court, and we remain ready to participate fully in any process that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria may direct,” the statement said.
Denying claims that it was anti-labour, the hotel said it had no policy prohibiting workers from exercising their right to freedom of association and had not victimised any employee over union affiliation.
It also assured guests and corporate partners that the hotel remained safe and fully operational, with normal business activities continuing uninterrupted.
The management reaffirmed its commitment to industrial peace and the rule of law.
