Atwoli responds over JKIA workers strike

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) boss Francis Atwoli now says that the ongoing aviation workers strike at JKIA could have been stopped, if the government wanted to.

Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where operations have been halted due to the strike, Atwoli said it could have been averted had the airport workers been assured of their job security.

He said all the workers demand was an assurance in writing, that their jobs will not be affected, should Adani group deal materialise.

The COTU Secretary General faulted the government for being cagey with details of the deal.

“This was a very simple matter where the assurance to workers in writing that our members will not lose jobs and their jobs will remain protected by the government and as is required by law and that assurance alone we wouldn’t have been here.

“But a lot of arrogance, the Adani issue is as if it is exclusive to management and government alone and we cant allow that. We are part and parcel of employment and workers arrangements,” Atwoli said.

He urged the striking aviation workers to remain firm, adding that they have the full support of the workers union.

“We are urging our members to remain firm and strong. They have our full support until we report back on this particular issue.”

Atwoli said that he has already explained to the ministry concerned that the problem started from it and the officials tasked with handling the matter.

He insisted that had they called a meeting with all stakeholders and explained that it is in the interest of the country to have a modern airport, the strike would not be on.

The COTU boss further noted that the JKIA workers are well within their rights to down tools.

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“Strikes are reflected in our Constitution and when the employer is not responding to workers’ needs, in a procedural manner, workers are left with nothing but to strike.”

His remarks follow the aviation workers strike that began on Tuesday at midnight.

Passengers have continued to bear the brunt of the ongoing strike by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) staff.

Several flights have been cancelled while others have been delayed at the as the workers’ strike continued to impact operations.

Only arriving flights were processed leaving those flying out stranded and frustrated.

Passengers were left in long queues with limited assistance available from airport staff.

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