Travelers using the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi got a big relief after the aviation workers union agreed to suspend a strike that was scheduled to start today.
The strike, which had been called to protest against plans by Kenya Airways (KQ) to take over management of JKIA, was suspended last evening after Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia assured the workers that they will not lose their jobs after the proposed merger.
Cargo operators, airport ground staff and support service workers who are members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) were set to take part in the strike.
Flight attendants and workers in duty-free shops were also expected to boycott work.
“I want to thank the CS for Transport for giving us an assurance that our jobs will be secure in the proposed takeover of JKIA by KQ. Therefore, we have agreed to suspend the strike to give all parties an opportunity to negotiate,” said Kawu secretary-general Moss Ndiema Tuesday.
The union reached the agreement after a closed-door meeting held Tuesday at the Ministry of Transport headquarters.
Mr Ndiema said the union would resist any change in the workers’ terms of employment.
Mr Macharia told the union representatives to wait for conclusion of negotiations to get a clearer picture of the proposed merger.
He said there will be no transfer of KAA assets to the national carrier, adding that the total number of workers at JKIA could increase from 950 to 3,000 after the takeover.