The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has announced plans to down their tools over what they describe as longstanding employment concerns that remain unaddressed by the government.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 22, KAWU declared that the strike is a result of the government’s continued failure to confirm hundreds of airport employees serving on contract terms to permanent and pensionable status. According to the union, over 500 employees remain on fixed-term contracts, despite repeated calls for their confirmation.
“We have relentlessly engaged and pleaded with Management to confirm these employees to permanent and pensionable terms, but to no avail,” KAWU stated.
Beyond contract issues, the union accused authorities of failing to issue substantive appointment letters to staff who had been promoted or redeployed to new departments. KAWU noted that many employees have been working in upgraded positions without official confirmation documents, a situation they argue is both unfair and demoralizing.
Another major grievance is the non-payment of overtime allowances at Wilson Airport. The union claimed that staff had gone more than six months without receiving overtime dues, despite performing extra duties.
“Our pleas to Management to pay them have fallen on deaf ears, and there has been no formal explanation as to why employees are being denied the fruits of their hard-earned sweat,” the union lamented.
KAWU also raised objections over the planned transfer of Ground Flight Safety responsibilities to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), saying the move would disrupt existing operations and affect workers’ roles.
With the announcement of the strike, the aviation sector could face significant disruptions if the grievances are not urgently addressed. The union has maintained that industrial action is the last resort after months of unfruitful dialogue with management.
The government is yet to issue an official response to the union’s demands.
