Crisis looms in the country’s aviation sector following a strike notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
The latest development came after KAWU issued a statement on Wednesday, December 18, citing discrimination claims.
The union also stated that the management has been subjecting them to low payments leaving them with no alternative but to proceed with industrial action against their employer.
The latest industrial dispute comes just four months after the union signed a return-to-work formula after striking key agreements following an earlier protest.
Long queues witnessed at JKIA as KAA workers down tools.
Photo
Edwin Dande
In their last strike that crippled services at Kenya’s airports management system, the workers union agreed to return to work following an agreement between the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Transports Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema announced they would communicate the beginning of their industrial action, warning the government to prepare for a major strike.
”On December 21, we will hold a meeting with our members and if, by bad luck, we have not agreed, we will communicate when the strike will officially begin. This will be the mother of all strikes,’’ Ndiema announced.
The union insisted that their efforts to fast-track the completion of issues signed on their return to work formula was met with the government’s unwillingness.
KAWU added that their meetings have been unfruitful with no meaningful engagement from the government.
Should the industrial action materialize, then the aviation industry is likely to be impacted especially during the holiday season when the industry is looking for a boom in its profits.
In the last strike, thousands of travellers were impacted and left stranded at Kenya’s, major airports including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA).
A section of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Photo
KAA