Aviation workers in Kuwait suspend strike after deal is reached

October 8, 2011

Workers at Kuwait Airways have called off strike action after the union representing them reached a tentative agreement with the government. They had been set for industrial action on 10 October over the state-owned company’s refusal to grant them benefits awarded to other public sector workers.
The deal, negotiated by the ITF-affiliated Kuwait Airways Workers’ Union, meets 70 per cent of the workers’ demands; the government promised to implement them within the next few days. In a “good faith” gesture, the workers decided to call off the strike for one month.
The agreement gives workers a 20 per cent wage hike, improves travel benefits and provides health insurance cover. In addition, all crew members contracted by Kuwait Airways’ handling and catering company Casco will also receive a one-month bonus. A final settlement will be negotiated in due course.
Earlier this week, ITF general secretary David Cockroft wrote to prime minister Sheikh Naser Al-Mohammad Al Sobah calling for the government and Kuwait Airways to resolve the dispute by entering into negotiations with the union and to ensure that workers receive the same benefits as other public sector workers.
Bilal Malkawi, ITF Arab World regional secretary said: “This is further proof that negotiations and union recognition are the only ways to settle disputes. I am quite sure that both union and management will soon reach a final agreement, which will strengthen the company and help workers to face future challenges.”

Workers at Kuwait Airways have called off strike action after the union representing them reached a tentative agreement with the government. They had been set for industrial action on 10 October over the state-owned company’s refusal to grant them benefits awarded to other public sector workers.
The deal, negotiated by the ITF-affiliated Kuwait Airways Workers’ Union, meets 70 per cent of the workers’ demands; the government promised to implement them within the next few days. In a “good faith” gesture, the workers decided to call off the strike for one month.
The agreement gives workers a 20 per cent wage hike, improves travel benefits and provides health insurance cover. In addition, all crew members contracted by Kuwait Airways’ handling and catering company Casco will also receive a one-month bonus. A final settlement will be negotiated in due course.
Earlier this week, ITF general secretary David Cockroft wrote to prime minister Sheikh Naser Al-Mohammad Al Sobah calling for the government and Kuwait Airways to resolve the dispute by entering into negotiations with the union and to ensure that workers receive the same benefits as other public sector workers.
Bilal Malkawi, ITF Arab World regional secretary said: “This is further proof that negotiations and union recognition are the only ways to settle disputes. I am quite sure that both union and management will soon reach a final agreement, which will strengthen the company and help workers to face future challenges.”

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