… Says It Will Follow Court’s Direction on ADR
Abuja Continental Hotel has faulted allegations of anti-labour practices linked to the Trade Union Congress [TUC], maintaining that it remains committed to workers’ rights and dialogue within the framework of a case pending before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Cluster Director, Human Resources, Niyi Agoro, the hotel said an interim injunction had restrained parties from taking steps capable of jeopardising the suit.
The reaction followed media reports concerning a meeting scheduled for October 12 amid the ongoing dispute between the hotel and organised labour.
Management said it agreed to a meeting date after the disruption of its business activities on August 24 and the interventions of 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.
Denying claims of being anti-labour, the management said it had no policy prohibiting workers from exercising their right to freedom of association and had 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.
