ABUJA HOTEL WORKERS REJECT TUC INDUSTRIAL ACTION

Workers seconded to Abuja Continental Hotel by outsourcing companies have rejected the planned industrial action by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), saying the union does not represent their interests.

The workers’ spokesman, Samuel Esiakpoyere, said employees were free to decide whether to belong to a trade union and that they had deliberately chosen not to participate in the picketing. He cited their constitutional right to freedom of association.

The workers said they receive their salaries and benefits regularly and have access to HMO and other welfare packages, while existing communication channels allow them to raise concerns with management.

The position followed TUC President Festus Osifo’s warning that hotels allegedly preventing workers from unionising could face industrial action. The TUC has maintained that some employees want union representation and has accused the hotel management of restricting workers’ rights.

The dispute escalated on Monday when labour unions began picketing the hotel over alleged unfair labour practices and unionisation concerns, disrupting normal operations.

While some workers publicly rejected the union action, the TUC insisted that their position did not necessarily represent the entire workforce.

The conflicting positions have renewed debate over workers’ freedom of association, union representation, and the need for dialogue between employers, employees, and organised labour to resolve workplace disputes.