The Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr Alfred Mutua, held a meeting on Thursday with the leadership of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) to address concerns surrounding the potential privatization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The meeting, led by KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema, focused on the union’s fears about job security in light of the government’s plans.
During the discussions, Dr Mutua made a strong appeal to the union leaders to consider suspending their planned strike, which is set to commence on Monday, August 19, 2024.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue and reassured the union that their concerns were being taken seriously at the highest levels of government.
“I have requested the union leadership to suspend their strike in favour of dialogue,” Dr Mutua stated.
“I assured them that their concerns are being addressed, and I have facilitated a meeting with the Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, scheduled for next Tuesday. This will provide an opportunity for the union to present their grievances directly.”
Dr Mutua also committed to mediating between the aviation workers, the Ministry of Transport, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and Kenya Airways to ensure that the union’s concerns are adequately addressed.
He urged all unions in the country to consider dialogue as the primary means of resolving disputes, particularly given the recent changes in government.
“We should strive to give dialogue a chance first,” Dr Mutua said.
“I appreciate the union’s willingness to consider my request, and I am hopeful they will consult their members on suspending the strike to arrive at a suitable solution. Through constructive engagement, we can resolve these issues without disrupting the critical operations at JKIA.”
Dr Mutua was accompanied by Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Mogosi and other senior ministry officials during the meeting.
The union had issued a seven-day strike notice earlier this week, citing the government’s plan to enter into a concession with a private firm to manage and expand JKIA as the primary cause for concern.
KAWU, which represents some 10,000 aviation workers, is adamant that the KAA has sufficient resources to undertake the necessary expansions without resorting to privatization.
“We had already given KAA and the government a seven-day informal notice to withdraw that deal and make management changes within KAA and Kenya Airways. They never did anything,” said Ndiema.
The union is also demanding the resignation of the KAA Board, currently chaired by Caleb Kosittany and the removal of several senior KAA and Kenya Airways officials.
KAWU argues that KAA, one of the most financially stable parastatals in the country, does not require external investment to modernize and expand JKIA.
The government, however, maintains that the estimated Ksh 260 billion ($2 billion) needed to upgrade the airport can only be secured through a Public-Private Partnership.
The outcome of the upcoming meeting between KAWU and the Transport CS will be critical in determining whether the union proceeds with the planned strike, which threatens to disrupt operations across all KAA-run airports in the country.
