Aviation workers call off strike after talks with Gov't on JKIA-Adani deal

Aviation workers have now called off their strike that caused flight delays at major Kenyan airports following talks with the government, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

The strike, which barely lasted 24 hours, was occasioned by the proposed takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by controversy-prone Indian conglomerate Adani Group, which the workers vehemently opposed.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir made his way to the airport on Wednesday evening and held a meeting with senior airport management and officials of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), led by Secretary General Moss Ndiema, where an immediate return-to-work agreement was reached.

The agreement, as read by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who also attended the meeting, stated – among other things – that the workers would have veto power over the Adani deal, hence no agreement would be signed by the government without their involvement and green light.

Atwoli also noted that official documents of the proposed Adani deal had now been availed to the aviation workers’ as per their demands, and that they would have a 10-day window to go through it and raise their concerns where necessary.

“We have received the most pertinent documents as requested by the union. We undertake to go through them within 10 working days and flag out areas of our concern which shall immediately be pointed out with a view of jointly engaging in discussions with government, Kenya Airways, Kenya Airports Authority,” said the COTU boss.

“The meeting shall immediately be convened after the said period of 10 working days. The way forward shall be determined by the outcome of our engagement on the same. We shall be represented in all the negotiations by two people.”

He added: “The parties – government, Kenya Airports Authority – shall not enter into any final agreement or append their signatures without concurrence with KAWU.”

Atwoli further said the meeting resolved to fast-track pending Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) negotiations within the next two months.

KAA Acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye also undertook to engage with registered union officials, even as the aviation workers were assured that they will not face any victimization due to the go-slow.

“The earlier court case between KAA against the union on strike notice of August 12, 2024 should be withdrawn,” noted Atwoli.

“Already the matter is before the court, and therefore the government will use the court process to ensure that all relevant information is made available to the court and all other stakeholders to facilitate clarity and understanding on the development of this major national infrastructure.”