Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has called off their strike following talks with the government through the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
The strike, which caused delays at major Kenyan airports was occasioned by the proposed takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by an Indian conglomerate Adani Group, which the workers vehemently opposed.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir met with senior airport management and KAWU officials, led by Secretary General Moss Ndiema, where an immediate return-to-work agreement was reached.
The agreement, as read by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who also attended the meeting.
He stated that the workers would have veto power over the Adani deal, hence no agreement will be signed by the government without their involvement and green light.
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Further, Atwoli stated that official documents of the proposed Adani deal had now been made available to the aviation workers as per their demands and that they would have a 10-day window to review them and raise their concerns where necessary.
“We have received the most pertinent documents as requested by the union. We undertake to go through them within 10 working days and flag out areas of our concern which shall immediately be pointed out with a view of jointly engaging in discussions with government, Kenya Airways, Kenya Airports Authority.”
“The meeting shall immediately be convened after the said period of 10 working days. The way forward shall be determined by the outcome of our engagement on the same. We shall be represented in all the negotiations by two people.”
“The parties – government, Kenya Airports Authority – shall not enter into any final agreement or append their signatures without concurrence with KAWU,” he added.
Additionally, the COTU boss stated that the meeting resolved to fast-track pending Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) negotiations within the next two months.
KAA Acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye also engaged with registered union officials, even as the aviation workers were assured that they will not face any victimization due to the go-slow.
