Amanze Chinonye
Kenya’s aviation workers have called off a two-day strike after reaching a Return-to-Work Agreement with the government, aviation authorities and low-cost carrier Jambojet, ending an industrial action that disrupted flights across Kenya and parts of East Africa, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU) signed the agreement with the Ministry of Transport, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet following overnight negotiations.
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Under the deal, KAWU and KCAA will immediately resume negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement, with KCAA committing to implement the outcome. Salary reviews will be conducted in line with guidelines issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, while agency fees held by KAA will be remitted to the union.
KAWU’s demand for a recognition agreement with Jambojet will remain subject to a court determination. The agreement also provides a framework for resolving three collective bargaining agreements that have been suspended since 2015.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the deal established clear guidelines for addressing the outstanding labour issues.
“We have looked at various issues … with very clear guidelines … on how we are going to deal with the three CBAs which have been suspended since 2015,” Chirchir said on Tuesday.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema urged workers to return to their duties and help restore normal flight operations.
“We are simply calling off our strike action and pleading with our members to begin the process of normalising operations, restoring services,” Ndiema told a news conference.
“For those who are on duty, we are asking them to begin clearing flights.”
The strike began on Sunday and was largely driven by air traffic controllers. It disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and other Kenyan airports, with delays and cancellations spilling over into regional routes.
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Airlines operating services to and from Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia and Mauritius were among those affected by the disruption in Nairobi.
Passengers at JKIA reported waiting for hours for updates as airlines cancelled and rescheduled flights during the two-day action.
KAWU had cited longstanding grievances involving KCAA, KAA and Jambojet, including the absence of a collective bargaining agreement at KCAA, delayed salary reviews, a dispute over union dues at KAA and alleged victimisation of union members at Jambojet.
The return-to-work agreement ends the immediate industrial action but leaves the underlying labour disputes to be resolved through negotiations and legal processes.
Airlines are expected to clear the backlog created by the strike, and some passengers could continue to experience delays as flight schedules return to normal.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
