NAIROBI, Kenya — Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has revealed details of the overnight negotiations that led to the suspension of the Kenya airport workers’ strike.
Mutua said government officials, union representatives and other stakeholders spent an entire day and night negotiating to find a solution to the industrial action, which disrupted flight operations at several Kenyan airports.
In a statement, Mutua apologised to passengers and other travellers who were inconvenienced by the strike while also acknowledging the concerns raised by airport workers over their welfare and working conditions.
“My sincere apologies to all who were inconvenienced due to this strike and also to airport workers who felt injured and in our view, deserved a hearing and improvement of their welfare,” Mutua said.
Mutua flew from Mombasa for strike talks
The Cabinet Secretary said he travelled from Mombasa to Nairobi to participate in the negotiations after the civil aviation team cleared his flight.
He thanked the Mombasa Civil Aviation team and tower for facilitating the departure of his flight, identified as 5Y-MCM, which enabled him to attend the discussions in Nairobi.
The negotiations brought together representatives from several institutions, including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Jambojet, the airport workers’ union and other government agencies.
Mutua also recognised the role played by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir in the talks.
Atwoli praised for staying through the night
The Cabinet Secretary gave special recognition to COTU’s Francis Atwoli, saying the veteran trade unionist remained involved in the negotiations until approximately 5:30 a.m.
Mutua praised Atwoli for his wisdom and patience during the lengthy discussions.
The talks stretched into the early hours as the parties worked towards an agreement capable of ending the disruption while addressing some of the workers’ grievances.
Mutua also thanked Principal Secretaries Terry Mbaika and Shadrack Mwadime, as well as government staff and union leaders who participated in the negotiations.
Airport strike called off
The negotiations culminated in a Return-to-Work Agreement under which the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) called off the industrial action and directed affected employees to resume normal duties.
Workers had raised concerns over welfare, remuneration, working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.
The agreement provided a framework for the affected employers and workers to continue addressing outstanding grievances through negotiations.
Government and union talks continue
Mutua’s account highlights the behind-the-scenes negotiations that took place as the government sought to restore normal aviation operations.
The settlement does not necessarily mark the end of all disputes between the workers and their employers, with some issues expected to continue being addressed through collective bargaining.
Mutua expressed gratitude to all the institutions and individuals involved in the negotiations and ended his message on an optimistic note.
“Mbele iko Sawa!” he said.
