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The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has served a seven-day strike notice, raising the possibility of major disruptions to air travel and airport operations if its demands are not addressed.
The union warned that aviation workers across the country could down their tools after accusing employers of repeatedly breaching the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
Speaking during a meeting, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the union had made several attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue but had seen little progress.
According to Ndiema, workers had exhausted all available channels in seeking a solution, prompting the union to issue the strike notice.
He urged the relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to resolve the outstanding issues before the notice period expires, warning that failure to do so would result in nationwide industrial action.
“Starting Monday, July 20, travellers should expect possible inconveniences when using aviation facilities across the country if the dispute remains unresolved,” Ndiema said.
If the strike goes ahead, it is expected to affect flight schedules, passenger services, cargo handling and other critical airport operations.
Ndiema maintained that the union’s objective was not to disrupt the aviation industry but to ensure that agreements reached with workers are fully implemented.
He said a thriving aviation sector can only be achieved by respecting workers’ rights and honouring negotiated agreements.
The union also warned that aviation employees are prepared to demonstrate their role in keeping the sector operational if their concerns continue to be overlooked.
KAWU has called on all parties involved to engage in urgent negotiations and reach an agreement before the seven-day notice lapses. Failure to resolve the dispute could see the strike commence on July 20, potentially affecting both domestic and international flights.
