Kenya’s aviation strike is over, but the dispute is far from settled

What the report says

Kenya’s two-day aviation strike ended after overnight talks produced a return-to-work agreement between union leaders, government officials and airport and airline executives, according to Al Jazeera. The walkout had disrupted operations at major airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi, as well as Moi, Kisumu and Eldoret, leaving passengers stranded, flights delayed or cancelled, and cargo movements slowed.

The dispute, however, remains unresolved. Al Jazeera reported that the Kenya Aviation Workers Union has been pressing for progress on pay, union recognition, agency fees, collective bargaining agreements and claims of victimisation. Some of those issues have been discussed before, including earlier agreements this year that did not fully settle the grievances. Government officials said the latest talks brought the parties back to the negotiating table and that separate institutions, including the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Jambojet, would continue dealing with their specific disputes.

Among the immediate terms, outstanding agency fees owed to the union are to be paid, and negotiations over the long-running Kenya Civil Aviation Authority collective bargaining agreement are to resume under new guidance from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. The agreement also says workers should not face punishment solely for taking part in the strike.

The dispute involving Jambojet over union recognition remains before the courts, meaning the broader conflict is not fully settled. Al Jazeera said the quick return to normal operations showed how vulnerable Kenya’s transport network is to labour unrest, and how much now depends on whether the latest commitments are carried out.