The government has brokered an agreement between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet Limited, bringing an end to the ongoing industrial action.
According to Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, the agreement was reached on Tuesday following intensive consultations involving the key parties to the dispute.
The deal paves the way for the immediate restoration of normal aviation operations after KAWU called off the go-slow and directed affected employees to resume their duties.
The negotiations were supported by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and brought together senior government officials, aviation sector agencies, labour representatives and KAWU leadership.
Among those involved were Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime and Central Organisation of Trade Unions-Kenya (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
The parties agreed that agency fees held by the Kenya Airports Authority will be remitted to KAWU immediately.
On outstanding issues relating to the KCAA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) committed to engage the parties within the applicable legal and regulatory framework, while considering the ability of the respective state corporations to pay.
The recognition agreement dispute between KAWU and Jambojet will, however, await the direction of the courts.
The parties said they would respect the ongoing judicial process and remain guided by applicable legal and procedural requirements.