The Central Organisation of Trade Unions has opposed an alleged Kenya Civil Aviation Authority plan to replace permanent aviation workers with National Youth Service graduates. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli issued the warning in a statement on Friday, July 24.
COTU stated it stands in full solidarity with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union. The union warned that the move could undermine labour standards and threaten the job security of hundreds of aviation workers.
Atwoli said KCAA intends to deploy NYS personnel to carry out security and screening functions across all airports. The labour union clarified it supports efforts to integrate young people into the labour market but insisted any recruitment should be through permanent and pensionable positions.
"It is immoral and illegal for a government institution to outsource or substitute permanent employment with low-cost labour arrangements that weaken labour standards and threaten existing jobs," COTU said. The federation called on KCAA to immediately engage the aviation workers' union through meaningful social dialogue.