Atwoli vow to mobilize international community to boycott KQ over JKIA takeover

Following the arrest of Aviation workers, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) boss, Francis Atwoli, has threatened to lobby the international community to boycott Kenya Airways (KQ) following standoff with aviation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The seasoned trade unionist lashed out at JKIA and KQ management for trampling on employees’ rights, vowing to teach them a lesson for arresting and detaining the aviation workers’ union representatives.


In an address at COTU offices, Atwoli called on other staff to boycott JKIA and KQ until the arrested trade unionists are released from police custody unconditionally. An appalled Atwoli blamed the stalemate, which saw police officers beat up and injure peacefully protesting workers, on Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia whom he described as incompetent and a letdown to the Jubilee leadership.

“Next week I will table statement at International Labour Organisation to ask for support from the international community on this matter. I will personally lead a campaign for international community to boycott Kenya Airways until workers’ demands are addressed,” said Atwoli.

The fierce advocate of workers also stated he would coordinate a nationwide industrial action activity for all aviation workers until significant information about KQ and JKIA merger is made clear to their employees and public.

“Unfair labour practices cannot attract international support. Aviation workers strike world over and Macharia was wrong to insult local workers for taking part in a constitutional industrial action event. He failed to implement open door policy to address workers’ demands leading to the stalemate,” he added.

The COTU boss asked all workers at JKIA and KQ including flight attendants, crew and pilots to stand solidly together and keep off the airport until their colleagues are freed.

“Let them sack you if they want and bring General Service Unit Officers to run the airport. We will only enter into return to work formula after arrested unionists are freed,” Atwoli said.

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