‘Airport operations will continue without any disruptions’ – KAA assures Kenyans ahead of aviation workers strike
By Valerian Khakayi, August 16, 2024The management of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has assured members of the public that airport operations will continue without any disruptions.
In a statement dated August 16, 2024, the KAA management says the authority has put in place necessary contingency measures to ensure the looming industrial strike by aviation workers does not affect the airport’s operation.
The authority further confirmed receiving a strike notice from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on Monday, August 12, 2024.
“In preparation for the potential strike action scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024, the authority has put necessary contingency measures in place to ensure that airport operations continue without any disruptions,” KAA’s statement reads in part.
“Would like to inform the public and all stakeholders that we received a 7-day strike notice from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on Monday, August 12, 2024.”
Request to call off strike
In the letter, KAA management disclosed that the authority, Ministry of Roads, Labor and KAWU are holding discussions to reach an amicable agreement.
“Discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, KAA Management and Kenya Aviation Workers Union to reach an amicable agreement. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service for all passengers and stakeholders at all our airport facilities across the country,” KAA adds.
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On Thursday, August 15, 2024, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua held a pivotal meeting with the KAWU officials seeking to find an amicable solution.
“Through constructive engagement and open communication, I am confident that we can address the concerns of aviation workers without disrupting the critical services at JKIA. The willingness of KAWU to consider dialogue is a positive step forward,” Mutua said.
“In our meeting with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, I emphasized the importance of suspending the planned strike to allow for constructive dialogue. We are committed to finding a solution that protects jobs and ensures the smooth operation of JKIA.”
📢 PRESS STATEMENT on the strike notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union pic.twitter.com/13U8dmJAaR
— Kenya Airports Authority (@KenyaAirports) August 16, 2024
KAWU’s strike
On August 12, 2024, the union issued a seven-day strike notice to KAA management.
In the notice, KAWU is demanding the immediate resignation of the entire Board of Directors over the intended lease of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings of India while they should have exercised prudence and accountability as the custodians of this national strategic asset on behalf of Kenyans.
“Formally notify you that all unionise employees of Kenya Airways and Kenya Airports Authority shall go on strike after the expiry of seven (7) days from today, 12th August 2024,” KAWU strike notice reads in part.
“For Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), this action is necessitated by your failure to heed our demands conveyed via our three letters dated 6th August 2024 which demanded the immediate resignation of the entire Board of Directors for their show of incompetence in presiding over the unlawful intended sale of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings of India while they should have exercised prudence and accountability as the custodians of this national strategic asset on behalf of Kenyans.”