“The KAA & KQ Merger Will Render Many Jobless,” Says Babu Owino

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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has affirmed his support for striking Kenya Aviation Workers to stop proposed merger between Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) and Kenya Airways (KQ).

Babu whose constituency is home to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), threatened to lead daily demonstrations to ensure issues raised by the workers are addressed key among them is their job security.

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Speaking at JKIA on Wednesday, March 6, the former students’ leader said should KAA entrust KQ with its operations at the airport, several employees may lose their jobs.

“I will lead demonstrations daily to ensure KQ does not take over KAA. This was just the beginning. We are aware KQ is a loss-making loss company, KAA is a public company that has been making profit. There is noway a company that makes losses can take operations of one that is doing well,” he said.

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According to the legislator, the national carrier owes the authority KSh 3.8 billions thus should not be allowed to take over its operations. Earlier on the day, passengers remained stranded for hours as the service providers downed their tools demanding resignation KAA Managing Director Johny Anderson.

“It is only after resignation of KQ and KAA top managers that workers in this industry will have the confidence the issues affecting them will be addressed,” said workers’ union boss Moss Ndiema.

Ndiema who was arrested during demonstration on the morning of Wednesday, March 6, has expressed fear the move which he said is shrouded in secrecy could portend doom for them. Following the arrest, Central Organisation of Trade Union said it will stand with all workers until their plight is heard. Despite constituting a mediation team, Labour Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani maintains the strike is illegal.

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