The ongoing dispute over the Adani Group’s potential takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has directed sharp criticism at former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. The strike by aviation workers, which began at midnight, has severely disrupted operations at the international airport, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
Atwoli, addressing the media at the airport on Wednesday morning, accused Murkomen of exacerbating the crisis through his alleged arrogance. The strike, led by the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU), was triggered by the government’s plan to lease the airport to the Indian conglomerate, Adani Group. This move has sparked significant unrest among airport employees, who are concerned about potential job losses and lack of transparency regarding the deal.
The COTU boss claimed that the situation could have been avoided if Murkomen had been more responsive and open to dialogue. According to Atwoli, he personally attempted to contact Murkomen to discuss the concerns of the workers and advise him to address the issue directly. However, he reported that Murkomen ignored his calls and failed to engage with the workers, which Atwoli described as a major oversight.
“We had a very simple matter at hand,” Atwoli said. “I tried to reach out to then-CS Murkomen before things escalated, hoping to advise him to meet with the workers and explain the Adani deal. But his arrogance and refusal to communicate with us have led to the current crisis.”
Atwoli’s remarks underscore a broader criticism of the government’s handling of labor relations and transparency. He suggested that the former Transport CS’s behavior reflects a wider issue within the administration, where workers’ concerns are often sidelined in favor of business interests. “Our ministers are arrogant and often disregard workers’ concerns,” Atwoli charged. “This attitude has created the situation we’re facing now.”
The dispute centers on the Adani Group’s planned lease of JKIA, which workers fear could jeopardize their job security. Atwoli emphasized that a written assurance from the government guaranteeing job protection would have mitigated the crisis. The lack of such assurances has fueled the workers’ frustration and led to the current industrial action.
In response to the strike, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) issued a statement around 11:00 am, announcing that minimal operations had resumed at the airport. The KAA advised passengers to check with their airlines for updates on flight statuses. The statement aimed to address the disruption caused by the strike and alleviate some of the travel chaos.
Atwoli also condemned the arrest of airport workers who participated in the protests, demanding their immediate release. He argued that the arrests were unjust and counterproductive, exacerbating tensions between the workers and the government.
“The workers who were arrested must be released immediately,” Atwoli declared. “Their detention is unacceptable and further fuels the discontent. This issue could have been resolved simply through a meeting and clear communication, but our ministers have failed in this regard.”
The COTU Secretary-General’s comments reflect a deep-seated frustration with the government’s approach to handling labor issues and its perceived disregard for workers’ rights. Atwoli’s criticism highlights the need for greater engagement and transparency in negotiations involving significant changes affecting employees.
As the situation at JKIA remains fluid, it is clear that the dispute over the Adani deal has uncovered broader issues related to government-worker relations. The resolution of the strike will likely hinge on the government’s willingness to address these concerns and provide clear assurances to the affected workers. Until then, the tension and disruption at Kenya’s busiest airport are likely to continue.
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