The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) on Monday entered a plea agreement with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to secure the release of their officials in exchange for a ceasefire into their industrial action.
This comes after the workers on Wednesday last week disrupted operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when they staged a go-slow, leaving thousands of passengers across the country stranded.
The DPP, according to the agreement withdrew all criminal charges against the 10 KAWU members and officials arrested during the strike, led by Secretary General Moss Ndiema.
The aviation workers will, hence, be required to call off their strike and resume duty immediately in compliance with the order of the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued on March 5, 2019.
“There shall be no victimization of union officials, KAWU, and all employees in any manner whatsoever by the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airways PLC, Tradewinds Aviation Services, and any other employer at JKIA affected by the industrial action,” states the agreement.
“KAWU and its members shall promptly cooperate with all employers to ensure normalization of operations at JKIA.”
The aviation workers will, however, be allowed to pursue their matter through the legal system and follow all the procedures and processes in the labour laws in any dispute with the employers in the aviation sector.
They were also advised to continue engaging the employers as well as the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to address the issues that led to their strike.