COTU boss Atwoli issues a threat against Kenya Airways amid JKIA standoff

JKIA standoff: COTU boss threatens to mobilise international community against Kenya Airways

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) boss Francis has threatened to lobby the international community to boycott Kenya Airways (KQ) following a workers’ standoff 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 workers’ union representatives.

In an address at COTU offices on Thursday, March 6, 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 workers and passengers on Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia whom he termed as incompetent and letdown to the Jubilee leadership.

JKIA standoff: COTU boss Francis Atwoli threatens to mobilise international community against Kenya Airways

“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.

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