Aviation Workers Resume Work After a Two Day Strike in JKIA

Several flights have been disrupted at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi after aviation workers went on strike. The industrial action lasted for two days, and workers resumed their operations on Feb. 17.

Reason of the Strike

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) went on strike as they didn’t reach an agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regarding the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA). The KAWU’s strike stemmed from the unsettled CBA dating to 2015. A number of workers have not received a raise in 10 years.

Additionally, the KAWU has claimed poor working conditions as a reason for the strike. Aviation workers have accused the KCAA of holding up negotiations regarding salaries, and stalling payments to the union.

The KCAA sought sought a court order to stop the strike. The Employment and Labour relations ruled in favour of the KCAA. However, the industrial action took place despite the decision.

In September 2024, the KAWU went on a strike because of the government’s plan to award a bid to extend the airport to the Indian Adani Group. The union declared that this action would impact local employment. The government later called off the plan claiming corruption from the Adani Group.

Impact and Outcome of the Industrial Action

The aviation workers’ strike in JKIA, delayed flights and impacted a number of flyers’ journeys. Passengers were advised to get in touch with the airlines before going to the airport, as they would offer the most recent flight schedule.

JKIA is one of Africa’s busiest airports. So, the workers’ strike had a significant impact on the scheduling of the hub. Some flyers have waited around 20 hours for their flights.

The delayed flights had both domestic and international destinations. A wide number of airlines were affected by the strike, such as Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Jambojet, and Etihad Airways. Kenya Airways (KQ) were also impacted.

Both parties agreed to resume work. The agreement was reached because of a promise of a conversation address KAWU’s concerns regarding working conditions and salaries.

Have you ever had your trip impacted by a strike? If yes, how was the experience? Let us know in the comments.