Aviation Workers Issue Strike Notice, Accuse KCAA of Defying Court Orders and Labour Deal
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has issued a seven-day strike notice, accusing the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) of reneging on a return-to-work agreement and undermining ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
Speaking during a press briefing, Union Secretary General Amos Ndiema said a conciliation meeting held between union officials and KCAA management had collapsed after the authority allegedly failed to honour commitments made in an agreement signed on February 17, 2026.
The deal, brokered under the Ministry of Transport, included provisions to unionize employees in job grades four and five, comply with court rulings, and prevent victimization of staff. Ndiema claimed KCAA had breached all three conditions, describing the agreement as a “foundational document” necessary for progressing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks.
“We are surprised that as a gimmick to frustrate CBA negotiations, KCAA management has chosen to undermine the return-to-work formula,” Ndiema said.
He further accused the authority of disregarding the rule of law, citing a court ruling from September 2025 that remains unimplemented. According to the union, at least one employee was dismissed last week without due process, raising concerns over what Ndiema termed as “impunity” within management.
“This is not how a progressive institution like KCAA should operate. They must lead by example in respecting the law and labour relations,” he added.
As a result, the union announced it would reactivate a strike that had previously been suspended following the February agreement. Workers have given KCAA a seven-day ultimatum to fully implement the deal and comply with all court decisions, failure to which industrial action will commence next week.
The union also warned that the looming strike could disrupt air travel, advising passengers to consider alternative arrangements if the dispute remains unresolved.
In addition, Ndiema signaled that workers would push for management changes, citing alleged incompetence and failure to effectively handle labour relations.
The union has now called on the Ministry of Transport to intervene and compel KCAA to honour the agreement, which was signed under the supervision of Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
“We do not prefer strike action, but we cannot continue negotiating in bad faith. The government must step in and restore order,” Ndiema said.
The dispute sets the stage for a potential disruption in Kenya’s aviation sector if no resolution is reached within the stipulated timeline.
