TUC, NLC Shut Down Abuja Continental Hotel Over Workers’ Rights Violations
Members of the Trade Union Congress(TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) on Monday began a protest at the Abuja Continental Hotel, accusing management of labour violations and blocking some categories of staff from joining unions.
The unions allege that workers rehired after the hotel’s renovation, as well as those newly employed, have been stopped from exercising their right to belong to a trade union.
They described the development as an infringement on workers’ basic rights.
According to the TUC and NLC, the hotel’s actions run contrary to provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Trade Unions Act, and key International Labour Organisation standards.
The unions referenced ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association and collective bargaining.
They also brought up a pact signed with the hotel on October 15, 2022, stating that under that agreement, the management committed to re-engaging at least 70 percent of workers affected by the renovation once the facility reopened.
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The labour centres urged the hotel to honour that commitment and to stop what they called unfair labour practices.
During the demonstration, workers and union officials carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Unionization of Workers,” “Fair Treatment, Fair Pay,” “Fair Voice,” “No Intimidation,” and “No To Modern Slavery.”
The TUC and NLC said they are seeking immediate recognition of the right to organise, fair pay and treatment, and an end to alleged intimidation of employees who want to unionise.
They further urged management to implement all aspects of the 2022 agreement, especially the clause on rehiring no fewer than 70 percent of displaced staff.
The unions warned that employment terms should not be used to deny workers rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of association and collective bargaining.
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They stated that the protest would continue until their demands are met and an understanding is reached with hotel management.