The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has entered a plea agreement with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to secure release of arrested union officials.
In exchange, the workers are expected to resume duty immediately.
The officials were arrested on Wednesday after they led demonstrations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) leading to a near 12-hour disruption of services at the airport. Thousands of passengers were left stranded and tens of flights grounded during the incident.
Following the agreement, the DPP has withdrawn all criminal charges against the 10 KAWU members and officials arrested during the strike.
Among those who were in custody include KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema.
Other officials include Nicholus Barasa, Robert Lichoro, Charles Mwangi Mwaura, Dan Kataka Musa, Martha Wangeci Warui, Maxwell Chopdekar Osaka, Joyrender Achieng Ochieng, Selina Awala and Richard Bwabuz Mitei.
Further, the two parties agreed that there shall be no victimization of union officials.
“There shall be no victimization of union officials, KAWU, and all employees in any manner whatsoever by the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airways PLC, Tradewinds Aviation Services, and any other employer at JKIA affected by the industrial action,” states the agreement.
“KAWU and its members shall promptly cooperate with all employers to ensure normalization of operations at JKIA.”
Read: Kenya Pilots Union Demands Release Of Arrested Aviation Officials
Besides the agreement, the workers were given room to pursue their matter through the legal system and follow all the procedures and processes in the labour laws as well as engaging their employer and the Ministry of Transport to resolve ongoing crisis.
The workers are opposed to handover of management of the airport to Kenya Airways.
They are also accusing the KQ leadership of financial wastage.
Last week, the Kenya Airline Pilots Association 9KALPA) called for the immediate release of the aviation workers.
In a statement on Friday, KALPA secretary general Murithi Nyagah, said the workers were exercising their constitutional right and should not have been arrested.
“We call for the release of KAWU officials and urge all parties involved to embrace the spirit of dialogue, and make effort to amicably resolve the current stalemate,” he said.
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