A plane at JKIA/KAA
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has suspended its planned strike to allow negotiations with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and two airlines, averting a disruption to air travel and airport operations.
Under an agreement signed on Monday, talks between the union and the two airlines are set to begin on Tuesday, while negotiations between KAWU and KAA will commence on July 29.
The suspension of the strike gives the parties an opportunity to resolve the issues raised by the union through dialogue.
KAWU had earlier issued a strike notice, warning that airport operations across the country could be affected if its demands were not addressed.
Among the union's key demands are the withdrawal 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 seeking the reinstatement of
four employees.
Speaking during a meeting on July 18, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union had raised concerns over what it described as persistent violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
He said workers had exhausted available avenues to resolve the dispute. According to the union, repeated engagements had failed to produce meaningful progress, leaving workers with no option but to issue a strike notice.
"Seven days, from the 20th on Monday, you are likely to face inconveniences and likely to run into challenges if you are to use any of our facilities in this republic," Ndiema said.
If the strike proceeds, it could affect flight operations, passenger handling, cargo services and other airport functions.
"We want a successful, prosperous aviation sector. But that cannot be achieved at the detriment of workers' rights. We won't accept that," he said.
He added that aviation workers were prepared to demonstrate their importance to the sector if their concerns continued to be ignored.
"They will realise power resides in us, not them," Ndiema said.
