Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) called off a strike Tuesday that had disrupted air traffic at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and other airports for two days, following overnight negotiations with government and airport authorities.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema announced the decision to resume normal operations immediately after the union reached a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet. The negotiations lasted more than 10 hours and culminated in the signing of a Return to Work Formula.
The industrial action began Sunday as a go-slow before escalating to cause widespread delays and cancellations across Kenya's aviation network. Hundreds of passengers were stranded at JKIA, while disruptions also affected Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Eldoret International Airport and Kisumu International Airport. Flights experienced significant delays and cancellations throughout the two-day period.
Travelers reported financial losses due to the disruptions. Hellen Moraa, who was heading to the Netherlands via Dubai for business, said at the airport that the delays could cost her financially. "It is unfair," she said.
The union had protested alleged unfair staff hiring practices, poor compensation and proposed changes to airport management. During Monday negotiations, KAWU demanded the removal of Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Moses Wekesa, though this demand was not explicitly addressed in the final agreement.
Under the return-to-work agreement, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between KAWU and KCAA was withdrawn by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and replaced with new parameters to be issued based on the agreements reached. According to the settlement terms, "KAWU and KCAA shall proceed with CBA negotiations immediately. KCAA management undertakes in good faith that it will honour and implement the outcome of the CBA negotiations."
A recognition agreement was also reached between KAWU and Jambojet as part of the settlement. The union announced that its members would resume normal duties immediately following the agreement.