The Kenyan government has established a conciliation panel to resolve the ongoing dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and the Kenya Airports Authority, following a court-ordered shutdown of the strike.
Labor Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani announced the formation of the three-member committee, which will be led by Shariff Abdulkadir Shariff and include Dr. Justus Nasirembe and Linus Kariuki. The panel is tasked with submitting findings within 30 days.
Yattani emphasized that the strike was unlawful, citing a court order issued on March 5, 2019, suspending the action pending an inter-partes hearing. He warned that non-compliance could lead to contempt charges, complicating the mediation process.
The strike disrupted air travel for 10 hours on March 6, 2019, causing 26 flights to be delayed or diverted. Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz reported two international arrivals redirected to Kilimanjaro and Mombasa, with affected passengers facing extended waits at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and regional hubs.
Union Secretary General Moss Ndiema and four officials were detained during the unrest. Mikosz apologized for the disruptions, urging passengers to confirm rescheduled flight times.
Aviation workers strike illegal, union officials to be charged - CS Macharia
