The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi has temporarily halted a planned nationwide aviation strike scheduled for Friday, July 24. The orders, issued on Thursday, July 23, bar the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and its members from proceeding with the action. Employers had challenged the strike in court over concerns of operational disruptions.
The court issued interim orders restraining the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, its officials, members and others from calling, implementing or participating in the strike. This follows a strike notice dated July 20 that involved workers from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, airlines and ground handling providers.
The union had cited unresolved issues including a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority pending since 2015, salary reviews and the deployment of National Youth Service officers at airports. Employers argued the action would disrupt aviation operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other facilities.
The matters were certified urgent and the union must respond before inter-partes hearings. Travelers had prepared for possible delays, but airport workers have not yet indicated their next steps regarding the orders.
