Kenya aviation workers hold fast on demands as industrial action continues

November 4, 2011

Aviation workers in Kenya started a “go-slow” action this week in Nairobi in a bid to see their pay and conditions demands met.

The workers, represented by the ITF-affiliated Aviation and Allied Workers’ Union (AAWU) and employed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), have been protesting at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport about their employer’s failure to make adjustments in their remuneration or to offer employees development opportunities. They also said that their workload was unreasonable.

The union issued a seven-day strike notice in the wake of unsuccessful negotiations with management. According to the AAWU, by midday on 2 November, most of the workers had downed tools.

AAWU general secretary Bonee Nicholas Barasa said: "The management has not been working in conformity with the collective bargaining agreement, and since 2003 remuneration terms and working conditions of air traffic controllers and engineers have not been revised. The AAWU will not renege on its earlier demands for better pay and now wants the KCAA director general Colonel (Rtd) Hillary Kioko removed from office.”

KCAA workers at Moi International Airport in Mombasa expressed their “full solidarity” with their Nairobi colleagues.