‘Operations at all airports normal,’ KAA says as it challenges aviation workers' strike

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) now says it has appealed a court order that gave its staff, under the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the greenlight to go on strike.

KAA, in a statement issued on Saturday evening, said the matter is in court, intimating that until it is determined, the workers will continue with their duties.

“Kenya Airports Authority would like to inform the public and all its stakeholders that today's announcement by Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on the withdrawal of labour by KAA employees is based on an Order issued by the Employment and Labor Relations Court Case No. E259 of 2022 dated 15th August, 2022. The Authority has appealed this ruling and the matter is in court,” read the statement.

“We wish to assure the general public and stakeholders that our staff have reported on duty and operations at all our airports are normal.”

KAWU, in a statement dated November 5 issued by Secretary General Moss Ndiema, said their planned strike followed a stalemate as regards the failure to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

"Pursuant to the said court order, this is to instruct and advice all unionisable employees at KAA to commence the strike at 2pm today, 5th November, 2022 in compliance with the court order," Mr. Ndiema said in the statement.

"For those who are still at home waiting to report for their shifts, we advise you to stay away and not to report to work. Please do not assemble at your work stations or hold any gatherings or processions."

Mr. Ndiema likewise guaranteed all unionisable workers that they would  not lose their jobs by taking industrial action as instructed.