Aviation workers have this morning suspended their industrial action after the Government brokered an agreement with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
The agreement was reached between KAWU, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet Limited following intensive consultations involving the key parties to the dispute.
“In view of the agreement reached, KAWU hereby calls off the industrial action with immediate effect and directs affected employees to resume normal duties.”
Under the agreement, the Kenya Airports Authority will immediately remit agency fees held by the authority to KAWU.
On outstanding issues relating to the KCAA Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has committed to engage the parties within the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
The engagement will also take into account the respective State Corporations’ ability to pay.
The recognition agreement between KAWU and Jambojet will, however, await the direction of the courts, with the parties agreeing to respect the ongoing judicial process and applicable legal and procedural requirements.
The parties have also agreed that no employee will be victimized or subjected to disciplinary action solely for participating in the industrial action, while committing to resolve outstanding and future grievances through dialogue, conciliation and established legal mechanisms.
The Government says the discussions were negotiated with the support of the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua.
The talks also brought together the Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, and the Principal Secretary, State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime.
Others involved in the negotiations were COTU-K Secretary General Dr. Francis Atwoli, Acting KCAA Director General Nicholas Bodo, KAA Managing Director and CEO Eng. Moses Wekesa, Jambojet Managing Director and CEO Karanja Ndegwa, and KAWU Secretary General and its leadership.
The Return-to-Work Agreement takes effect immediately, paving the way for the immediate restoration of normal operations across the aviation sector.
