• Kenya Aviation Workers have considered suspending their strike on Monday 19, 2024. The suspension follows talks with Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr Alfred Mutua.
  • The workers have raised concerns over the looming claims of privatizing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through a supposed agreement with an Indian firm, Adani, which they fear will threaten their job security.
Kenya Aviation Workers have considered suspending their strike on Monday 19, 2024. The suspension follows talks with Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr Alfred Mutua.

The meeting took almost one and a half hours in his office, constituting Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) officials, led by Secretary-General Moses Ndiema.

Dr Mutua has tentatively secured the KAWU's commitment to suspend the strike as the government seeks to find common ground with the aviation workers.

The workers have raised concerns over the looming claims of privatizing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through a supposed agreement with an Indian firm, Adani, which they fear will threaten their job security.

At the meeting, Dr. Alfred Mutua urged the union to call off the strike and embrace dialogue. In line with the request, the union leadership promised to consult its entire membership before they could revert to a conclusive decision.

Additionally, Dr Mutua has promised the union officials an opportunity to meet and present their grievances to Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir in an August 20, 2024 meeting.

After keenly listening, Dr. Mutua has acceded that the KAWU officials have genuine concerns.

"However, it is regrettable that there seems to have been a breakdown in communication, leading to misunderstandings. Workers at JKIA are understandably concerned about their job security, and any agreement under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) should aim to enhance job opportunities rather than diminish them," he stated.

The CS has pledged to mediate between the workers, the Ministry of Transport, the Kenya Aviation Authority, and Kenya Airways to address the issues raised through the union.

Moreover, he has also taken the opportunity to urge unions in the country to avoid taking strike action as their first option whenever disputes arise, stressing that many of the Cabinet Secretaries are still familiarising themselves with their new dockets due to the recent changes in government.

KAWU Secretary-General Moses Ndiema has termed Dr Mutua's request to suspend the strike reasonable, although he insisted that the decision to strike was not a light one.
 "We will consult our members on the issue of suspending the strike and communicate their decision by Friday," Ndiema said.

The union has also demanded full involvement in all plans to privatize part or all of the JKIA, with job security as their primary concern.