Kenya Airways Direct Nonstop Flights to the US in Limbo as Workers Issue Strike Notice
Kenya Airways' maiden direct flight to the United States lies in limbo after aviation employees threatened to go on strike.
In a notice, the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (Kawu) cites Kenya Airway’s failure to agree with its workers on special pay and working conditions for the much anticipated nonstop flights to the US as the reason for their strike.
Cabin crew for the KQ's Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that will be deployed for the Nairobi- New York route are among staff who are set to down their tools.
“It’s our demand that management commits to concluding the CBA negotiations before October 28th, 2018. To that end we are calling on all our members across all sections, that is passenger services, cargo operations, passenger ramp, in-flight functions, technical, flight ops and support services, to stay away from the USA operations until further advised by the union. This call applies to our comrades in CDL as well,” Kawu secretary- general Moses Ndiema says in a notice.
The union is pushing for more crew for the direct flights between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and JFK Airport to allow for enough resting time in addition to Sh20,000 overtime allowance per hour worked outside the normal working hours.
On its side, Kenya Airways has offered Sh5,000 overtime allowance for every hour worked outside normal hours.
Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz maintains the airline will not engage in any CBA-related talks until after the nonstop flights are launched.
“Employees proceeding with an illegal strike are supporting our competitors by working to the detriment of the company and should be considered as such by the public and Government of Kenya. The management will only pick up the CBA related conversations after successful launch of the NYC route,” Mikosz says.
Comments (14)
That is my country. Nothing works smoothly. Everybody wants to be paid more for an one of work. It will take many decades before people work for pay. The government should do away with these seating allowance . Pay workers what needs to be paid and get rid of these excesses. Pigs sign for each other for these allowances when they are doing their own business or may be in an hospital in India!
The problem is the CFOs and Managers who have LOOTED aand are still Looting KQ as we Speak; and the Workers want a Piece of it.
The flight will happen. No worries.
Sukuma. I can see you Pushing and SUKUMAring for KQ and Exactly living to your Name to the letters S.u.k.u.m.a. Oh boy!
Are they asking for 200$ per hour on overtime?, I need that job too
$200 is Madness and a Nightmare from the Blue come True. 5$ (KShs.500) overtime pay per Hr would suffice it. If they get Green Cards and join the Air Hosts and Hostesses CLUB in the US: They want their KQ jobs back.
😂😂😂 Mta ji MURDAAAA!!!
Hahahaa
Pay them already. We have politicians giving themselves raises and looting,why can’t honest and hard working citizens be compensated for their effort and time away from their families and homes. Successful employers pay appropriate allowances for hardship ie travel expenses and extra work done.
Crews’ ample rest is paramount and universally expected.All you care about is making excess profit not safety.Your stinginess will put passengers’ and crews’safety at risk and you’ll end up bankrupt and dooming Kenya’s already failing aviation. Your success is deeply dependent on your crews wellbeing and output.FFS!!!
Kenya airways is rejuvenating from massive losses. It's nursing serious wounds and a real Kenyan patriot would not block KQ's last breath to life. Its evident that former looters of the airline are working with the union leaders to block the progress put in place. The KQ's competitors are cheering and sharing tables with in high end clubs with union leaders. Such heartbreaking intentions are the topic of discussion in those secret meetings. KQ, I know, will put this matter on the table but at the right time. It's painful to see our own citizens working for the downfall of our own pride. Let's offer our sweat for KQ. Goodies will follow
Naaaah! Show them the money first. Dishonesty and KQs worthless credit demands upfront payment
Workers taking the airline hostage. What they do not know is the maiden flight can be postponed, other people can be hired and the rest can be replaced...or they can attempt to go to court in the handshake era.ksh 20k per hr is total madness. The flight is not going to Heaven it's going to US so chill, take a chill pill.Some of them without the job can't put food on the table. Careful now.
Even in US THEY CAN'T MAKE THAT..NONSENSE
Maybe $2 overtime Pay will do it in Kenya. $200 is an IMAGINATION gone Wild.
Overtime is based on your hourly pay worldwide. It should be the same in Kenya. E.g. $ 20/ HR = 20+10=$30/ HR overtime.