COTU backs aviation workers in row over reported NYS deployment

COTU backs aviation workers in row over reported NYS deployment
COTU backs aviation workers in row over reported NYS deployment - COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli speaks at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on May 1, 2025 during Labour Day celebrations. (Photo: PCS)
COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli speaks at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on May 1, 2025 during Labour Day celebrations. (Photo: PCS)

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The COTU boss argued that assigning workers to long-term roles without offering permanent employment undermines labour protections and weakens employment security, particularly within public institutions.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has backed the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) in opposing the reported deployment of National Youth Service (NYS) personnel to carry out duties traditionally performed by permanent aviation workers, warning that the move could undermine job security and labour standards in the sector.
In a statement on Friday, COTU said it was concerned by reports that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) intends to deploy NYS personnel to perform security and screening functions while permanent posts remain vacant, arguing that the authority should instead recruit staff into those positions.
"Workers performing permanent and continuous functions should be employed on permanent terms and conditions of service,” COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said.

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Further, the COTU boss argued that assigning workers to long-term roles without offering permanent employment undermines labour protections and weakens employment security, particularly within public institutions.
"It is immoral and illegal for a government institution to outsource or substitute permanent employment with low-cost labour arrangements that weaken labour standards and threaten existing jobs,” Atwoli said.
While reiterating its support for employment opportunities for young people graduating from the NYS, the federation maintained that they should be absorbed into the public service through fair recruitment processes that guarantee decent pay, job security and the full protection of Kenya's labour laws.

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The federation subsequently urged KCAA to engage KAWU through meaningful social dialogue before implementing any staffing changes affecting aviation workers.
COTU's statement adds to growing tensions in the aviation sector, where KAWU has threatened industrial action over what it describes as persistent employment and workplace grievances involving KCAA, the Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) and other aviation agencies.
The union served a seven-day strike notice on Thursday, warning that its members will begin a nationwide work stoppage unless the outstanding issues are resolved before the notice lapses.
Among the concerns raised by the union are delays in implementing negotiated employment agreements, complaints over workplace changes introduced without workers' participation, the continued engagement of some staff on short-term contracts despite years of service, alleged unfair termination of employees and the reported plan to assign airport security and fire services duties to NYS personnel.

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