A planned strike by members of Kenya’s aviation union led to significant flight delays and disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday, a critical transport hub for both regional and international travel. The strike emerged from ongoing labor disputes between union members and authorities, focusing on demands for wage increases, enhanced benefits, and improved working conditions.
The impact of the strike was felt across numerous flights, prompting Kenya Airways to issue a travel advisory. The airline advised passengers to verify their flight status prior to heading to the airport, reflecting the uncertainty caused by air traffic control delays affecting both departures and arrivals. Tanzania’s Precision Air also reported similar disruptions and noted that adjustments to the flight schedule were being implemented.
The Kenya Airports Authority has assured travelers that a contingency plan is actively in place to mitigate disruptions while they work closely with stakeholders to resolve the issue. The aviation union’s decision to strike came after they had issued a seven-day notice, citing problems with the implementation of their collective bargaining agreement with the Kenyan authorities.
Moss Ndiema, the secretary general of the union, confirmed the strike was ongoing and stated that he had not received any court order that would prevent the action. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in the labor relations environment within Kenya’s aviation sector and underscores the need for effective dialogue between workers and their employers.
Despite the immediate disruptions, there is hope that the strike will ultimately lead to improved conditions and a more harmonious working environment for aviation staff, benefiting both the workforce and the traveling public.