KAA workers down tools over salary cuts
The protracted salary dispute between Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) and Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) has halted operations at numerous airports.
This resulted in an aviation crisis earlier this week, which was averted when the Authority appealed against the Labour court’s earlier order to permit workers to strike.
Moss Ndiema, the Secretary General of Kawu instructed the staff to down their tools yesterday.
“We would like to inform the public and all its stakeholders that the announcement by Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) on the withdrawal of labour by KAA employees is based on an order issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court,” KAA said.
The union wanted to be awarded a basic salary increment of 13 per cent for the duration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (2016-2019) in addition to annual raise.
Two weeks ago, a High Court judge gave KAA 10 days to conclude negotiations on reduced pay increases with airport workers or the latter would proceed to strike.
Lady Justice Monica Mbaru, in her order said that should KAA refuse to comply with the new court directive then Kawu will be free to commence an industrial action that will exclude 55 union officials spread across KAA offices countrywide.
“The claimant has the next 10 calendar days to conclude the CBA with the respondent and serve the minister and a copy to the court,” Mbaru said.
