(PRESS STATEMENT)
Abuja Continental Hotel has rejected claims of anti-labour practices attributed to the Trade Union Congress [TUC], insisting that it is committed to workers’ rights and to dialogue within the context of a pending case before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by its Cluster Director of Human Resources, Niyi Agoro, an interim injunction has restrained parties from taking steps capable of jeopardising the suit.
The management’s response came following media reports about a meeting fixed for October 12 in the midst of the ongoing dispute between the hotel and organised labour.
The management said a meeting date was agreed upon after its business activities were disrupted on August 24 and following interventions by the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Minister of Labour and Employment, who advised dialogue.
However the hotel management stated that the dispute is currently before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and expressed its preference for allowing the judicial process to run its course. It further clarified that it would have no objection to engaging in Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] should the Honourable Court consider such a referral appropriate, reaffirming its willingness to participate in any court-directed process aimed at facilitating constructive engagement and an amicable resolution of the dispute.
The hotel said it had communicated its position, alongside copies of the court order, 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.
Refuting claims that it is anti-labour, the management said it has no policy that prohibits workers from exercising their right to freedom of association and has not victimised any employee over union affiliation.
The hotel also assured guests and corporate partners that it remained safe and fully operational, with normal business activities continuing uninterrupted.
It reaffirmed its commitment to industrial peace, the rule of law.
