Aviation workers call off strike, flights to resume
Stranded passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on August 31, 2026 after flights were disrupted by aviation workers' strike.
Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary General Moss Ndiema has called off the strike that paralysed operations at the airports.
This follows negotiations that lasted for more than 10 hours and culminated in the signing of a Return to Work Formula.
This announcement follows two days of strike action that brought airport activities to a standstill, resulting in flight delays and cancellations.
Passengers leave Kisumu International Airport terminal on August 31, 2026, after arriving for scheduled flights that were unavailable following an aviation workers’ strike.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between KAWU and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), which was among the issues on the table, was withdrawn by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), replacing it immediately with new parameters which will be issued based on the agreements.
"Therefore, KAWU and KCAA shall proceed with CBA regotiations immediately. KCAA management undertakes in good faith that it will honor and implement the outcome of the CBA negotiations," part of the agreements reads.
A recognition agreement was also agreed upon between KAWU and Jambojet, with the two parties agreeing that the matter currently before the court shall be given time to allow the court to make its decision.
Read: From 'flight is coming' to never: Aviation workers strike hits local, international travellers hard
Passengers at the Moi International Airport on August 31, 2026.
"The parties shall respect and abide by the court's decision and take the necessary action in accordance with the court directives. Jambojet is committed to all applicable, legal and procedural requirements in relation to the trade union recognition with KAWU."
Regarding the victimisation of workers, the parties agreed that no employee shall be victimised, intimidated, discriminated against, or subjected to disciplinary action because they participated in industrial action.
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