KAWU calls off aviation strike after government deal

Kenya’s aviation workers have called off their two-day strike after reaching a return-to-work agreement with the government and aviation employers, clearing the way for normal operations to resume at the country’s airports.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) signed the agreement on Tuesday, September 1, after more than 10 hours of negotiations. The union directed affected workers to return to duty immediately.

The strike had disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other major airports, triggering flight delays, cancellations and diversions. The disruption also affected regional routes serving countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and Mauritius.

The agreement does not end the underlying labour dispute. Instead, it moves the key disagreements back to the negotiating table.

CBA talks to resume

One of the main issues was a long-running dispute over a Collective Bargaining Agreement between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

Under the new agreement, KAWU and KCAA will immediately resume CBA negotiations. KCAA has committed to negotiating in good faith and implementing the outcome of the talks.

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has also issued new parameters to guide the negotiations, although KAWU said it still has reservations about some of the provisions.

The union has also secured an agreement on agency fees held by the Kenya Airports Authority, with the funds due to be remitted.

Jambojet dispute remains in court

The disagreement between KAWU and Jambojet over union recognition will not be settled by the return-to-work deal.

The two sides agreed to await the court's decision and abide by the eventual ruling. Jambojet has also committed to complying with legal requirements relating to trade union recognition.

Workers who took part in the strike have also been protected from retaliation. The agreement bars victimisation, intimidation, discrimination or disciplinary action against employees because they participated in the industrial action.

Passengers still face possible delays

Although the strike has ended, travellers may still experience delays as airlines and airport operators work through the backlog created during the two-day disruption.

Kenya Airways had reported delays of several hours during the strike, while passengers at JKIA and other airports faced cancellations, missed connections and overnight stays.

Travellers are therefore advised to confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.

The government had apologised to passengers affected by the disruption as negotiations continued.

The immediate crisis has now eased, but the bigger test will be whether the new commitments resolve the long-running labour disputes. If the CBA negotiations stall again, the same tensions could return.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.