A Nairobi Court on Tuesday sought to broker a temporary deal between striking pilots and Kenya Airways to avert losses by the National carrier.
Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Anna Mwaure said the country was making losses and it was prudent a solution is sought as the two argue their case in court.
Eleven officials of the Kenya Airline Pilots Association were summoned to court to show cause why they should not be punished for contempt after commencing the strike on Saturday despite a court order stopping the strike.
In Court on Tuesday, the pilots sought to be given seven days to argue their case.
They also asked that the matter be directed for court-annexed mediation to resolve the dispute.
KQ senior counsel John Ohaga said he was not opposed to the applications but asked the court to direct the pilots back to work in the meantime.
"So what will happen if we give you more time for negotiations? Will the airlines remain grounded?" Justice Mwaure asked the pilots.
She said throwing the officials of the pilots association to jail or allowing them more days to argue their case won't help.
"Someone asked for Solomonic wisdom and that's what I want to find. Can we talk with the officials and the KQ counsels without the media before I deliver a ruling?"
Ohaga wants the court to order the pilots back to work as the negotiations continue.
Justice Mwaure is expected to give ruling after the private talks
