TUC pickets Abuja Continental Hotel over alleged abuse of workers’ rights

The Hotel and Personal Service Senior Staff Association, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), on Monday picketed the Abuja Continental Hotel over alleged abuse of workers’ rights, unfair labour practices and indecent working conditions.

The union also raised concerns over the alleged refusal of the hotel management to allow workers to unionise and exercise their freedom of association.

The workers converged on the hotel as early as 6am and attempted to enter the premises but were stopped at the gate by security personnel.

The union subsequently commenced picketing at the entrance of the hotel, effectively blocking access to the premises.

Speaking with journalists, the union said several efforts to engage the hotel management over the issues had been unsuccessful, leaving it with no option but to commence industrial action.

As of the time of filing this report, the union was attempting to lock the hotel’s gate, a move resisted by the police and some officials of the hotel.

There was a heavy presence of security personnel, including the police and Department of State Services (DSS), at the premises as the workers maintained their protest.

The union accused the hotel management of engaging in practices it described as inimical to the welfare and rights of its workers, particularly with regard to working conditions and freedom of association.

The picketing is expected to continue until the issues raised by the union are addressed and efforts are made to resolve the dispute between the workers and the hotel management.