The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has called off a planned strike to enable dialogue with Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and two airlines, preventing possible disruptions at airports nationwide.
Under a deal reached on Monday, formal negotiations between KAWU and the airlines are scheduled to start on Tuesday, with talks involving KAA set for July 29. This pause in industrial action aims to address the union's concerns through constructive discussions.
Union Grievances
- KAWU demands the removal of National Youth Service (NYS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel deployed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) fire station and other airports.
- The union is also pushing for the reinstatement of four dismissed employees.
- Persistent breaches of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) have been cited as a major issue.
During a July 18 meeting, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema highlighted that previous attempts to resolve these disputes had failed, leaving the union no choice but to threaten industrial action. He warned that if the strike had proceeded, it would have severely impacted flight operations, passenger services, cargo handling, and overall airport functions.
"Our goal is not to disrupt the aviation sector but to ensure workers’ rights are respected," Ndiema emphasized. He added that the union is committed to a thriving aviation industry but insists this must not come at the expense of employee welfare.
The suspension of the strike now offers a window for all parties to find amicable solutions and safeguard the stability of Kenya’s aviation sector.
