The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) said it has postponed its planned strike for an indefinite period following an agreement reached with Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and two airlines.
Based on the 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 was also meant to avert disruption of air travel and airport operations and to give the parties an opportunity to resolve differences through dialogue.
KAWU had earlier issued a strike notice, warning that airport operations across the country could be affected if its demands were not met.
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 ten days ago, local reports 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.
Ndiema said the union was not seeking to cripple the aviation industry but wanted agreements reached with workers to be honoured.
“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.
MG/APA