The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has responded to a strike notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
KAA in a statement on Friday, August 16, 2024, said that the management has received the 7-day strike notice, adding that discussions are ongoing.
The Authority said that discussions between the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, KAA Management and Kenya Aviation Workers Union have started.
“The management of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) would like to inform the public and all stakeholders that we received a 7-day strike notice from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on Monday 12th August 2024,” read part of the statement.
“Discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, KAA Management and Kenya Aviation Workers Union to reach an amicable agreement.”
In preparation for the potential strike action scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024, the authority says it has put necessary contingency measures in place to ensure that airport operations continue without any disruptions.
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“We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service for all passengers and stakeholders at all our airport facilities across the country.”
KAA Issues Update on Looming Aviation Strike
The statement comes after KAWU officials hinted at suspending the planned strike following talks with Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua.
In a statement made on Thursday August 15, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection revealed that CS Mutua met with KAWU officials, led by Secretary-General Moses Ndiema.
“Dr. Mutua held a crucial meeting lasting one and a half hours at his office with KAWU officials, led by Secretary-General Moses Ndiema, as the government seeks to find common ground with the aviation workers,” read the statement.
The workers during the meeting expressed their concerns regarding the potential privatization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through a partnership with the Indian firm Adani.
The union fears that this move could jeopardize job security for aviation workers.
On his part, CS Mutua acknowledged their concerns and assured them that they would have the opportunity to present their grievances to Transport CS Davis Chirchir in a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
“After listening to the union officials, it is clear they have genuine concerns, however, it is regrettable that there seems to have been a breakdown in communication, leading to misunderstandings,” said CS Mutua.
Strike Notice
The meeting came days after KAWU, issued a seven-day strike notice to both the management of KAA and national carrier Kenya Airways in what it said that the decision stemmed following KAA’s failure to listen to and address their demands.
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“This action is necessitated by your failure to heed to our demands conveyed via our three letters,” read the notice in part.
As a result, KAWU threatened to withdraw its services in all KAA-run airports across the country over proposed plan to privatize JKIA through a partnership with Adani.
The union further called for the resignation of the entire KAA Board of Directors for what they termed as their “show of incompetence in presiding over the unlawful intended sale of JKIA to Adani.”
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