Kenya Aviation Workers Union Threatens Strike From March 25 Over KCAA Dispute

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has issued yet another strike threat, barely a month since agreeing on a return-to-work formula with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema spoke on Wednesday, March 18, where he claimed aviation services would be suspended in a week over what he described as a breach of the formula by KCAA.

Ndiema warned passengers to brace for potential travel disruptions from March 25, stating that the union would not be held responsible for any inconveniences that may ensue from the industrial action.

“We call on passengers to plan their travel itinerary accordingly. Any disruptions are not our fault,” Ndiema said.

In what is becoming a worrying pattern, the latest strike threat comes a month after KAWU suspended a previous strike that had paralysed operations in the aviation sector.

The union, in their grievances, accused KCAA of violating agreements set under the return to work formula, which was supposed to guide subsequent discussions.

They also allege victimisation of employees by KCAA and deepening tensions within the sector.

In February, while the industrial action was gaining momentum, the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) has temporarily issued interim orders blocking the strike that had the potential to disrupt operations at one of the region’s busiest airports, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

At the time, Justice Agnes Nzei of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Milimani, Nairobi, certified a KCAA application as urgent and directed that the strike notice served by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on February 9 this year should not be acted upon until the case is heard.

Industrial strikes by aviation workers typically come with devastating outcomes, as it tends to disrupt flights to and from the country.

These dynamics were flagged by Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), who warned that ongoing disruptions as a result of strikes may increase fatigue risks for flight crews, increasing the risk of a catastrophe.

According to KAPLA, this is mainly due to delays, cancellations, and diversions, which lead to unpredictable schedules and extended duty periods for pilots.