Labour CS urges aviation workers’ union to suspend planned strike

He further highlighted the importance of giving dialogue a chance, especially as many Cabinet members are still acclimating to their roles following recent government changes.

KAWU has expressed strong opposition to the proposed sale of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to India’s Adani Airport Holdings. The union, led by Secretary General Moses Ndiema, argues that the deal would result in job losses and the introduction of non-Kenyan workers.

“We shall reconsider our intention to engage in industrial action … only if the Adani Airport Holdings Limited’s deal is abandoned in its entirety,” Ndiema stated in the strike notice.

The union has also criticized the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) for allegedly failing to conduct proper public participation regarding the 30-year concession proposal by Adani.

“We have never been involved as a union and as representatives of the workers. Further, this deal will lead to a lot of job losses,” Ndiema added.

KAWU’s opposition to the Adani deal has fueled calls for the resignation of top KAA officials who are accused of supporting the agreement. The union insists there is mischief in the deal, accusing the KAA management of orchestrating the lease.