Kenya Aviation Workers Suspend Planned Nationwide Strike After Deal

Kenya’s aviation workers have suspended a nationwide strike that had been planned for Friday, 31 July, after reaching a return-to-work agreement with employers and government representatives.

The agreement followed intensive negotiations involving the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU), employers, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema confirmed that the strike notice issued on 20 July had been withdrawn, assuring passengers and industry stakeholders that flight operations would continue without disruption.

"I confirm that our strike action through a strike notice issued on July 20 stands suspended and so there is no anticipation for any disruptions whatsoever arising from the intended strike action," Ndiema said.

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Tresia Mbaka, who witnessed the signing of the agreement, said no party would face reprisals over the strike notice. The provision is intended to support continued negotiations between the parties.

The return-to-work agreement provides a 30-day period to resolve the outstanding issues. Airlines are scheduled to meet on 28 July to discuss operational concerns, while the Kenya Airports Authority will hold talks with stakeholders on 29 July.

Negotiations on the long-delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority will begin immediately, followed by discussions on human resource policies on 30 July. The parties have also agreed to withdraw cases previously filed before the Employment and Labour Relations Court to allow negotiations to continue.

The dispute stems from long-standing concerns raised by aviation workers, including salaries and human resource policies. The agreement sets out a timetable for addressing these issues through negotiations over the next month.