Aviation Workers Suspend Call off Strike After Reaching Deal with Government
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has successfully ended its brief industrial action that started on Monday, restoring calm to Kenya's aviation sector after two days of significant disruptions.
The strike, which mainly affected air traffic control and related services, led to widespread flight delays, cancellations, and diversions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other key airports. Following productive negotiations with the Ministry of Transport, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), and additional stakeholders, union leaders agreed to suspend the protest and return to work immediately.
KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema confirmed the positive outcome, noting that the parties reached a solid return-to-work formula through constructive dialogue. The agreement includes commitments to address longstanding worker grievances—such as stalled collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks, salary concerns, poor working conditions, and related issues—within future negotiation frameworks. Authorities, including the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), have endorsed the deal, ensuring no retaliation against striking employees and a smooth transition back to regular operations.
Travelers and airlines can now expect services to gradually normalize at JKIA and across affected facilities, though minor residual delays may occur during the recovery phase. This quick resolution highlights the value of timely engagement between labor groups and government bodies in protecting Kenya's vital air transport network from extended interruptions. The swift end to the action brings much-needed relief after passengers faced considerable inconvenience over the short strike period.
