Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia declared the Kenya Airport Workers Union's strike unlawful, citing a ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court on March 5, 2019, which suspended the union's February 27, 2019, strike notice. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed the court's injunction against the planned action.
Macharia warned union officials could face legal repercussions for allegedly interfering with airport security systems. 'If you are to strike, you should have done it at home. Striking here is kind of committing a crime,' he stated at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on March 6, 2019, during a press briefing.
The strike disrupted 24 flights starting at 6 a.m., stranding hundreds of passengers. Workers oppose a management transition to Kenya Airways, fearing job losses. The union's secretary general, Moses Ndiema, was arrested for organizing the walkout, while the government claims negotiations with the Council of Trade Unions (COTU) have addressed employment concerns.
Kenya Airways' managing director, Sebastian Migozs, announced efforts to resume operations, with the first London-bound flight scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Passengers were advised to check KQ's Twitter page for updated departure times.
