Airports operations grounded as hundreds spend nights on seats over ongoing aviation workers’ strike
Hundreds of passengers remained stranded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and other airports since Sunday following a strike by a section of aviation workers.
For instance, the travellers, who were scheduled to travel through Kenya’s biggest airport, spent the night in the airport lobbies waiting for guidance from airlines.
Others had to be relocated to hotels and wait for the way forward. Others canceled their trips. The strike affected JKIA and other major airports in the country since Sunday at 2 am.
Other travelers said they experienced delays in their flights.
On Monday morning, a number of airlines were processing hotel transfers for their passengers. This is after aviation workers, under the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), began their strike on Sunday, declaring go-slows across Kenyan airports.
The workers are demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.
From JKIA in Nairobi to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, operations ground to a near halt on Sunday.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said members downed their tools at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the Kenya Airports Authority and Jambojet, and would not resume until the union’s grievances against all three are settled.
The action follows the collapse of a framework agreement signed on July 27, when Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir convened the union and the four employers named in an earlier strike notice and set a timetable for each organisation to negotiate directly with KAWU.
There were a series of meetings between the workers, their employers Kenya Airports Authority PLC and the ministry of transport but there was no solution.
KAA advised passengers and other airport users that some departing flights are currently experiencing delays at our airports.
“KAA is working closely with the relevant aviation agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders to manage the situation, minimise disruption, and facilitate the smooth flow of airport operations.”
“Passengers are advised to contact their respective Airlines for the latest information on their flight status and to plan their journeys accordingly,” said a statement from the airport.
“KAA regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of passengers and other airport users as the situation is addressed.”
Witnesses said the workers had blocked entrances to the airports at JKIA and Wilson Airport as the strike went on.