In a significant breakthrough for the aviation sector, workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have ended their go-slow following a productive meeting between Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Airways, and Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on Wednesday, September 11. The resolution comes after a period of heightened tension and disruption at one of Africa’s busiest airports, sparked by a proposed deal to lease the main airport to the Adani Group.
The go-slow had severely impacted travel plans, with numerous passengers experiencing delays and disruptions. The workers’ actions were a direct response to the ongoing negotiations regarding the lease agreement, which had fueled concerns about job security and working conditions. The disruption had prompted urgent intervention from the government, leading to a crucial meeting chaired by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
The key participants in the meeting included KAA Managing Director Alex Gitari, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema, and Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli. Their gathering aimed to address the pressing issues raised by the workers and pave the way for a resolution.
KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema expressed relief at the outcome, highlighting the importance of the agreement. “Now we have ended the strike. We have been here since the day before yesterday and even I haven’t bathed. If this airport were better, we would have warm water to bathe and hotels where you could be taken to eat, but it’s okay. We will manage as the less fortunate. Nobody should harass you,” Ndiema said, reflecting on the challenging conditions faced by the workers during the strike.
The agreement reached during the meeting stipulates that both KAA and Kenya Airways are to expedite the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations within a period of two months. This timeline is set to ensure that the workers’ concerns are addressed promptly, and a fair agreement is reached.
A statement released following the meeting confirmed that the relevant documents requested by the Union have been received. Both parties committed to reviewing these documents within 10 working days, after which a follow-up meeting will be convened to discuss any outstanding issues. The statement also emphasized that no final decisions or signatures will be made without the concurrence of KAWU, ensuring that the workers’ voices are adequately represented in the final agreement.
The resolution of the go-slow and the commitment to advance CBA negotiations come as a relief to many in the aviation sector. The agreement also includes a provision to prevent any victimization of workers or employers as a result of the strike, promoting a fair and just environment for all parties involved.
In the wake of this development, the focus will shift to ensuring that the terms of the agreement are implemented effectively. The resolution is expected to restore normalcy at JKIA and improve the working conditions for airport staff, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of operations at the airport.
As the aviation sector moves forward from this period of disruption, the commitment to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and negotiation highlights a positive step toward maintaining industrial harmony and ensuring the continued success of Kenya’s major international gateway.
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