Abuja Continental Hotel urges Trade Union Congress to abide by industrial court’s sub judice stand

The Management of Abuja Continental Hotel has said it cannot proceed with the October 12 meeting called at the instance of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) because the subject matter of the dispute is now sub judice before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Cluster Director, Human Resources, Continental Hotels, ‘Niyi Agoro, the hotel said Paragraph 3 of the enrolled Order of the Court expressly provides that “an Order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining all parties to maintain the peace and not to take any steps that will jeopardize this suit.”

This according to Agoro, was because of the various publications and assertions in the media credited to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) regarding a meeting scheduled for October 12.

Agoro said it has become imperative to place the facts in proper perspective and reassure the hotel’s workforce, guests and all stakeholders.

According to him, the welfare, safety, dignity and professional growth of workers is and remains the foundation of the hotel’s business, noting that Abuja Continental Hotel is built by its people.

“We have no policy, written or unwritten, that prohibits staff from exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association, and at no time have we victimized any employee on account of union affiliation.

“The insinuation that the hotel is anti-labour is incorrect and does not reflect our long history of excellent employer-employee relations and sustained investment in staff welfare, training and well-being,” the statement read.

The hotel further described itself as a law-abiding organization that holds in the highest esteem the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Labour Laws of the Federation, and the institutions of state charged with maintaining industrial peace.

Agoro recalled that following the disruption of the hotel’s business activities on August 24, and the subsequent intervention of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Minister of Labour and Employment which advised dialogue, the hotel in good faith agreed to a date for engagement.

He stated that subsequent to that agreement, the subject matter became sub judice before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, adding that Paragraph 3 of the enrolled Order of the Court expressly provides:

 “That an Order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining all parties to maintain the peace and not to take any steps that will jeopardize this suit.”

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According to the statement, the Order has been duly served on all relevant parties, stressing that as a law-abiding corporate citizen, the hotel cannot and will not take any step that may be construed as overreaching the Court, prejudicing the due administration of justice, or amounting to contempt.

“Accordingly, we remain committed to dialogue within the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) channels provided and guaranteed by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. We hold the respectful view that external interference through meetings convened outside the Court’s ADR framework while the case is pending would prejudice the due administration of justice and violate the spirit of the subsisting Order,” Agoro said.

He added that the hotel has formally communicated this legal position, with copies of the enrolled Court Order, to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the relevant security agencies and the leadership of the Trade Union Congress.

For the avoidance of doubt, the hotel emphasized that it has not abandoned dialogue, stating that it remains ready to participate fully in any process that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria may direct.

Finally, Agoro assured esteemed guests, clients, corporate partners and the general public that Abuja Continental Hotel is safe, secure and fully operational, with normal business activities continuing without hindrance.

“The security and comfort of every guest in our facility and the safety of our staff remain our paramount responsibility, and we have taken all necessary measures in conjunction with relevant security agencies to ensure uninterrupted, world-class hospitality services,” he said.

He appreciated the understanding of all stakeholders and reaffirmed the hotel’s unwavering commitment to industrial peace, obedience to the rule of law and genuine partnership with its workforce.