Members of the Hotel and Personal Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (HAPSSSAN) have picketed the Abuja Continental Hotel over alleged unfair labour practices, poor working conditions and concerns surrounding workers’ freedom to unionise.

The association, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), commenced the protest on Monday by blocking the entrance to the hotel, disrupting access to the premises as the union pressed its demands.

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Speaking to Channels Television, the union accused the hotel management of failing to address concerns raised by workers, particularly issues relating to freedom of association, unionisation and what it described as unacceptable working conditions. The union also alleged that repeated attempts to engage the management in discussions had been unsuccessful.

As of the time of filing this report, the union members were attempting to further restrict access to the hotel by locking its entrance, but their move was reportedly resisted by police personnel and some hotel officials. Despite the resistance, the unions had succeeded in blocking the main entrance to the hotel as the protest continued.

The development has raised concerns over the dispute between the workers and management, with the union insisting that its action is aimed at compelling the hotel authorities to address the workers’ grievances and respect their right to organise collectively.