A strike led by Kenya Aviation Workers Union has inconvenienced several passengers flying out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Flights have been grounded since midnight and passengers have been advised no to go to the airport, one of the busiest in Nairobi, until further notice.
“Kenya Airways regrettably wishes to inform its customers and the general public that due to the illegal strike by Kenya Aviation Workers Union , the airline will be experiencing disruptions in normal flight operations,” a company statement said. The strike was called due to several grievances about mismanagement, union officials said.
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The planned merger between Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Airways, has also generated sharp criticism from a section of leaders. But Transport Minister James Macharia said workers need not worry.
“What they were fearing is that the proposed merger between KQ and KAA will result in job losses but we gave assurances that that will not happen,” he told journalists at the airport, and promised that flights will resume shortly.
The strike has caused lot of inconvenience to passengers. Passengers waiting for flights, some for hours, were asked to leave the airport, and gathered in parking and waiting areas outside the building. “I have been here since 3:00 am, and there is no flight, there is no information, we have just been told now to wait for communication,” stranded passenger Mercy Mwai said.
Local flights too, were affected with workers protesting on getting to know about management's hefty pay packages even as the airline incurred losses.
Another passenger, Christine, questioned: “why are police using unnecessary force with teargas at an airport?” Some passengers received medical treatment on-site for tear gas inhalation.
Union leader Moss Ndiema was arrested after he made a speech at the airport.