Aviation workers’ strike is looming and is likely to affect flights next week as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) threatens to go on strike from March 25 if the outstanding issues with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) are not resolved.
In his Wednesday briefing to the press, KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema stated that KCAA is pulling out of the agreement to go back to work, which was reached last month.
Travelers have been advised to plan as there is a possibility of disruptions if the strike is to take place. We’re advising passengers to schedule their flights early. If disruptions occur, we will not be responsible, he stated.
This is not the first time KAWU is threatening to go on strike. Weeks ago, they called off their strike due to an agreement they reached with KCAA.
However, KAWU claims that some of the issues they agreed on are not being implemented. In addition, they accused KCAA of victimizing some of their workers.
The strike, when it happens, will affect operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and all other airports in the country.
The strike was previously halted by the Employment and Labour Relations Court in February. Justice Agnes Nzei issued a court order to halt the strike until the case is heard.
The strike will affect air travel, and this was acknowledged by the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), which said that there is a chance for pilots to work more hours, thus leading to fatigue.
The clock is ticking, and all are watching to see what will happen between KCAA and KAWU to determine whether they will be able to come to a deal to avert another strike in the aviation sector.
