Aviation workers have called off the planned Friday, July 31 strike after reaching an agreement with employers and government agencies.
The Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways and other industry stakeholders signed a return-to-work formula, effectively suspending the planned industrial action.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema confirmed that the strike notice issued on July 20 had been suspended, assuring travellers and industry stakeholders that no disruptions linked to the planned strike would occur.
“I confirm that our strike action through a strike notice issued on July 20 stands suspended and so there is no anticipation for any disruptions whatsoever arising from the intended strike action,” Ndiema stated.
The agreement also involved the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, which participated in efforts to resolve the dispute.
Under the return-to-work formula, the parties agreed to a 30-day window to ensure that all commitments outlined in the agreement are addressed and implemented.
Key discussions involving two key operators are scheduled for July 28, a day after the agreement was signed, with the two airlines set to address outstanding concerns affecting their operations.
Issues relating to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will be discussed on July 29, while negotiations on the KCAA overdue Collective Bargaining Agreement are set to begin immediately.
Talks on KCAA’s human resource instruments have also been scheduled for July 30 as part of efforts to resolve the outstanding labour concerns.
The agreement was witnessed by Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Tresia Mbaka, who confirmed that the planned industrial action had been suspended.
“There shall be no victimisation from either side arising out of the strike notice,” PS Mbaka said.
The parties also agreed that some cases filed before the Employment and Labour Relations Court by aviation stakeholders would be withdrawn to allow the negotiated agreement to take effect.
