Crisis looms as aviation workers plan strike ahead of Christmas holiday
The strike threat comes after a series of unresolved issues, with KAWU accusing the government of failing to honour agreements made during a previous strike in August.
A crisis looms in Kenya's aviation sector after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a strike notice, threatening to down tools on Saturday, December 21, 2024, days before the Christmas holiday.
The union claims discrimination and low pay as the primary reasons behind their decision to initiate industrial action, which could significantly disrupt operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports nationwide.
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The strike threat comes after a series of unresolved issues, with KAWU accusing the government of failing to honour agreements made during a previous strike in August.
This latest dispute follows months of frustration, with KAWU claiming that management has ignored their concerns regarding inadequate compensation and working conditions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema warned that the strike could begin immediately after a meeting with union members scheduled for December 21.
"On December 21, we will hold a meeting with our members, and if, by bad luck, we have not agreed, we will communicate when the strike will officially begin. This will be the mother of all strikes," he said.
The union expressed disappointment at the government's reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions despite the return-to-work formula signed just four months ago after a previous strike.
KAWU claims that their efforts to fast-track the implementation of the agreements reached have been met with resistance, leaving them with no option but to proceed with the strike.
The potential industrial action is expected to severely impact the aviation industry, especially during the busy holiday season when travel is at its peak.
During the previous strike, thousands of travellers were left stranded at major airports, including JKIA, as workers protested the management's deal with Adani Group Holdings, which was aimed at managing the airport.
The government had faced pressure to disclose the terms of this agreement, which KAWU argued lacked transparency.
Should the strike go ahead, it could disrupt air travel during one of the busiest periods of the year, causing delays and cancellations for thousands of passengers.
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