Amanze Chinonye
An aviation workers’ strike in Kenya entered its second day on Monday, disrupting operations at the country’s main international airport, stranding thousands of passengers and forcing airlines to delay and cancel flights, Prime Business Africa reports.
The strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports followed failed talks between the government and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on Sunday. Further negotiations were expected to continue, but the industrial action remained in force.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Kenyan Passengers Allege Unequal Treatment as Aviation Strike Disrupts JKIA
KAWU says the dispute centres on unresolved labour issues, including a collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), as well as grievances involving the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and airline Jambojet.
The disruption intensified on Monday, with Kenya Airways reporting delays of more than six hours and saying it had been forced to reschedule and cancel some flights because of a growing backlog.
Jambojet operated only two of its 55 scheduled flights on Monday, according to Kenyan media reports, while RwandAir cancelled two flights, citing air-traffic-control challenges in Nairobi.
Thousands of passengers have been affected, with some reportedly stranded at JKIA for more than 12 hours.
KAA acknowledged delays and advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight information before travelling to the airport.
READ MORE :
Monday Night Chaos at JKIA Triggers Fresh Calls to Ease Passenger Congestion
The strike has also disrupted operations at Moi International Airport in the coastal city of Mombasa, extending the impact across Kenya’s aviation network.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema said talks with government officials on Sunday had failed to resolve the dispute. The union has maintained the strike while negotiations continue.
The disruption is putting pressure on the government, aviation authorities and airlines to reach a settlement, as prolonged delays and cancellations threaten to cause further disruption to domestic and international travel.
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.
