The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has issued a 7-day strike notice to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
On February 9, the union cited various grievances, including a stalled collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiation that has been pending since 2015, as the main reason for the industrial action.
“The last parties’ CBA lapsed in 2015. Ever since, despite persistent pleas from the Union, the Management has blatantly refused to negotiate subsequent CBAs,” said Moss Ndiema, the union’s secretary general, in a notice to the authority.
KCAA employees say management has withheld union dues for hundreds of grades four and five staff who enrolled in the union, which the workers argue violates their constitutional right to join a union.
The union adds that many staff, including those at the East African School of Aviation (EASA), remain on long-term contracts or temporary roles for positions that should be permanent, restricting their access to fair wages and job security.
“By perpetuating contract and temporary employment, the Management is denying the affected employees their right to decent work, right to equal pay for work of equal value and the right to fair labour practices,” Ndiema noted.
KCAA Issued Strike Notices Earlier
Earlier in September 2025, workers at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) threatened to strike over stalled CBAs and contract employment before the dispute was resolved through negotiations.
The strike notice, which had raised concerns of possible flight disruptions, was lifted following collaborative talks involving KAA, KAWU, and relevant government ministries.
Also Read: KCAA Issues Update on Plane Diversions Amid Planned Strike at JKIA
In a statement on October 1, KAA confirmed that the matter had been resolved amicably after constructive dialogue.
“The strike notice has been called off following positive and collaborative discussions involving KAA, KAWU, and relevant government ministries,” KAA said.
The discussions addressed the union’s concerns while safeguarding the smooth operation of airports and ensuring the interests of the travelling public were protected.
With the resolution in place, airport services and flight schedules will continue as normal, averting the anticipated disruptions that worried passengers and airlines.
Also Read: KCAA Announces Job Opportunities for Pilots and Engineers — How to Apply
“KAA is pleased to announce the successful resolution of the recent labour matter with KAWU,” the statement added.
Strike Notice from KAWU
In a letter to its members, the union called for the resignation of the board.
It warned that industrial action could commence at any time after the seven-day notice period had expired.
Beyond the leasing deal, KAWU outlined other grievances, including non-payment of overtime at Wilson Airport for six months, dismantling of the Human Resources Department, three pending collective bargaining agreements, and the transfer of the Ground Flight Safety (GFS) unit from KAA to the KCAA
The union stated that the transfer could strip the Kenya Airports Authority of vital revenue and threaten hundreds of jobs.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
