A nationwide aviation strike planned for Friday, July 31, has been called off after aviation workers reached a deal with employers and government agencies.
The agreement was formalised through a return-to-work formula signed by the Kenya Aviation Workers' Union (KAWU), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways and other stakeholders in the aviation sector, bringing the planned industrial action to an end.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema confirmed that the strike notice issued on July 20 had been suspended, assuring travellers and industry players that flight operations would continue without disruptions.
“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 Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection also took part in negotiations that led to the resolution of the dispute.
As part of the return-to-work agreement, all parties committed to implementing the agreed measures within 30 days.
Discussions involving two major aviation operators are scheduled for July 28, a day after the agreement was signed, with both expected to address pending operational concerns.
Outstanding matters involving the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will be discussed on July 29, while negotiations on KCAA's long-overdue Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are set to begin immediately.
Talks on KCAA's human resource instruments have also been scheduled for July 30 in an effort to resolve the remaining labour issues.
The agreement was witnessed by Principal Secretary (PS) for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika, who confirmed that the planned strike had been suspended.
“There shall be no victimisation from either side arising out of the strike notice,” PS Mbaika said.
The parties further agreed to withdraw some of the cases filed before the Employment and Labour Relations Court by aviation stakeholders, paving the way for the negotiated settlement to be implemented.
