Airport Workers Suspend Strike for One Week, Await Government Clarification
PHOTO: A plan eabout to land.
Aviation workers, represented by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), halted their planned strike for one week. Initially set to begin on Sunday, the strike faced a delay so the union could review government documents related to the controversial Adani deal. Aviation workers raised concerns over this deal, signaling ongoing tensions despite the temporary pause.
Workers Demand More Time for Document Review
Kenya Aviation Workers Union Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed that workers postponed the strike to give union members time to review crucial documents. These documents outlined the government’s agreement with the Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate taking over the management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). KAWU members opposed this deal, voicing concerns about potential impacts on jobs and the future of the airport.
“Our members delayed the strike for seven days to thoroughly review the government’s documents. Afterward, we will announce our next steps,” Ndiema stated at a press briefing.
Workers sought transparency regarding the Adani takeover. Feeling excluded from negotiations, workers expressed deepening anxiety about their future. Ndiema explained that they would evaluate all risks before deciding their next move.
Union Protests Presence of Foreign Representatives
KAWU also raised alarms about the sudden appearance of unfamiliar individuals at JKIA. Ndiema reported that these individuals, believed to represent the Adani Group, conducted stock-taking at the airport. This activity worried aviation workers, who suspected that preparations for the takeover had already begun.
“Our members witnessed strangers at JKIA who appeared to represent the Adani Group. They conducted stock-taking activities, sparking anxiety among the workers. If this continues, we demand immediate action,” Ndiema declared.
The union called on the government to cease all ongoing takeover activities. Workers demanded the government to clarify the situation and restore calm at the airport.
Workers Insist on Transparency
KAWU demanded full transparency from the government and airport management. The union stated that any engagement with stakeholders should wait until workers had reviewed all documents. Ndiema emphasized that this review would protect workers’ rights and ensure fairness in negotiations.
To escalate their demands, aviation workers planned a procession to Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) offices. The union wanted additional documents from KAA management, believing the previously provided information remained incomplete.
“KAWU only received partial documents from KAA. Without all the information, we cannot fully assess the implications,” Ndiema explained.
Determined to push for transparency, workers continued seeking accountability from KAA and the government. The union prioritized keeping employees informed during the process to avoid further tensions.
Government Delegation Heads to India
In the meantime, senior managers from the Kenya Airports Authority prepared to travel to India on a fact-finding mission. Their goal involved assessing the Adani Group’s capabilities and learning how similar airport takeovers functioned elsewhere. The fact-finding mission intended to clarify details of the proposed deal, influencing future negotiations.
This trip followed a visit by Indian officials to JKIA, where they shared their plans with the Kenyan government. These plans included constructing a second runway and building a new passenger terminal. The Adani Group offered a 30-year lease to modernize JKIA and expand its capacity.
Union and Government Clash Over Takeover
The union’s decision to delay the strike reflected ongoing conflict between aviation workers and the government. Workers do not oppose modernization outright, but they voiced concerns over job security and employment conditions under a long-term lease. Workers feared that the Adani Group’s control over JKIA could erode their benefits and future prospects.
The union continued to demand negotiations that prioritized worker welfare. Ndiema called for clear assurances from the government, ensuring that the deal safeguarded workers’ long-term interests.
As KAWU reviewed the documents and government officials continued their fact-finding mission, the outcome remained uncertain. Both sides understood that the coming days could shape the future of Kenya’s aviation industry.
Uncertain Future for JKIA
The future of JKIA now faced uncertainty. The airport, serving as a key hub for East Africa, played an essential role in Kenya’s economy. Disruptions like strikes could ripple through the economy and harm Kenya’s aviation sector. The proposed Adani Group takeover divided opinions, with some viewing it as an infrastructure boost and others fearing long-term risks.
The temporary suspension of the strike allowed more time for negotiations. However, the dispute remained unresolved. The stakes were high for both the government and workers. While KAWU sought answers, the government stayed committed to moving forward with the airport’s modernization.
For now, aviation workers put their strike on hold. As they awaited further developments, they prepared for the next chapter in the ongoing dispute, with the potential for tensions to rise again.
