It’s a deal! JKIA staff back to work

A return-to-work formula was agreed on Sunday between the government and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu), paving the way for restoration of duty by airports staff.  Kenya’s aviation workers are called for an overhaul of the Kenya Airways and Kenya Airports Authority’s boards and management over the proposed merger and alleged irregularities in the hiring of staff. The workers downed their tools last Wednesday, to protest what they said was unfair hiring and remuneration and the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by cash-strapped Kenya Airways. This resulted in the suspension of flights at JKIA and the deployment of anti-riot police to restore order.

The workers’ union has questioned the proposed merger of the loss-making carrier and the KAA, which will see KQ take over the operations of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The Union has questioned how the national carrier’s chief executive Sebastian Mikosz, board chairman Michael Joseph and a team of managers and consultants were allegedly paid a whopping Ksh1.3 billion ($13 million) in 18 months.

KAWU accused Sebastian, of orchestrating losses in spite of being appointed to turn around the fortunes of the ailing national carrier.The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) negotiated the deal. Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli assured the workers, who have been on strike since last week, none of them would be victimised.  “No one will stop you from going back to your workstations,” he said at Solidarity Building.

Atwoli disclosed that union officials who were arrested last week are likely to be released today. “We already have an agreement that will be deposited in court,” said Atwoli.