Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers have suspended their planned strike for two days to allow conciliation talks with the management, following a court directive. The move temporarily eases fears of disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports, though uncertainty remains as the process unfolds.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) confirmed the suspension in a statement on Monday. According to the union, the decision follows a directive by the court requiring both parties to appear before the Ministry of Labour for conciliation. The session began at 11 am on Monday and extended until 7:45 pm before being adjourned. Talks are set to resume on Tuesday morning.
“The strike has been suspended for only two days to allow conciliation to take place,” KAWU said, adding that a conciliation report will be filed in court on Wednesday ahead of a scheduled court session on Thursday.
The dispute stems from several unresolved grievances. These include the alleged transfer of Ground Flight Safety (GFS) operations from KAA to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), delayed confirmations of staff to permanent terms, and pending Collective Bargaining Agreements. The dismissal of a human resource manager has also emerged as a contentious issue, with the union accusing management of making unilateral decisions.
KAWU Secretary Moss Ndiema has been vocal about the frustrations of the workers. Speaking at JKIA after an earlier crisis meeting with KAA management, Ndiema noted that out of seven demands presented by the union, only one saw partial progress. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to resolve any issue, not even one,” he said, describing the workers’ demands as “irreducible minimums.”
While the temporary suspension averts immediate travel disruptions, the aviation sector remains on edge as both sides prepare for another round of conciliation. KAWU has promised to keep its members updated, urging continued patience and solidarity.
