Kenya’s aviation sector is facing the prospect of major disruption after workers threatened to down their tools following the collapse of talks between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The standoff, which escalated on Tuesday after a failed negotiation meeting, centers on long-standing grievances under the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), including wage stagnation, job insecurity, and alleged violations of labour rights.
“No Salary Review for 11 Years”
At the heart of the dispute is a salary freeze that union officials say has persisted for more than a decade. KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said:
Our members at KCAA have not had their terms reviewed for the last 11 years. The last CBA with KCAA was for the period 2013-2015. So effective 1st July 2015 to date, there has been no salary review in respect to our members.”
According to the union, KCAA management declined to commit to any wage increment for the current financial year, arguing that no salary adjustments had been budgeted for—a position KAWU has dismissed as unacceptable given prevailing economic pressures.
KAWU has also accused the aviation regulator of sidestepping labour laws by relying on short-term contracts instead of permanent or long-term employment.
In response, the union has issued a seven-day ultimatum, demanding that KCAA return to the negotiating table with what it calls a “realistic proposal” to resolve the outstanding CBA and employment issues.
Union Rejects ‘Unilateral’ Organisational Structure
Tensions have been further inflamed by a new organisational structure introduced by KCAA, which the union says was implemented without consultation and risks undermining aviation operations.
Chairman of KAWU Walter Ongeri stated:
The management in their own volition went and made a structure which is not aligned and they did not consult the union. We are demanding that structure to be put down and have a consultative engagement so that we agree on the nature of a structure that we ought to have in the aviation sector.”
The union has also accused KCAA of preventing newly hired employees from joining KAWU, a move it says violates constitutional labour rights.
Sector on Edge
With aviation playing a critical role in Kenya’s economy—supporting tourism, trade, and regional connectivity—the threat of industrial action has raised concerns among industry players and travelers alike.
Unless a breakthrough is reached within the next seven days, KAWU says it will mobilize its members to withdraw labour, a move that could ground flights, delay cargo operations, and strain airport services nationwide.
As the clock ticks, all eyes are now on KCAA management to see whether renewed talks can avert a strike that could ripple across the country’s skies.
Is it fair for aviation workers to go 11 years without a salary review? Let us know below!
