Kenya Aviation Workers Union Issues Fresh Strike Notice Over Labour Disputes

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a seven-day strike notice against the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), with industrial action set to begin on 16 February if outstanding disputes are not resolved.

In a statement released on 9 February, the union accused KCAA of failing to implement collective bargaining agreements that have been in place since 2015. KAWU also alleged delays in the remittance of union dues and discriminatory treatment of contract staff. According to the union, management has declined to engage meaningfully despite repeated conciliation efforts.

A central issue in the dispute is the status of contract workers. KAWU claims that employees on contract are denied benefits and recognition granted to permanent staff, even though they perform comparable roles. The union argues that this practice breaches existing agreements and labour standards.

KAWU warned that the planned strike could disrupt key aviation services, including air traffic control, airport operations and technical support. Such action would affect both domestic and international flights, with significant impact expected at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the country’s main aviation hub.

The notice follows a similar ultimatum issued in January over delayed salary reviews, some of which the union says have been pending for more than ten years. KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema has stated that all available negotiation channels have been exhausted and that the union is prepared to escalate its actions.

Labour relations in Kenya’s aviation sector have remained tense in recent years. In September 2025, a strike by aviation workers halted operations at several airports for two days before government intervention led to a resumption of services.