KQ, union fail to agree as strike enters day two

By John Njiraini

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) is staring at huge losses after marathon negotiations to end employees’ strike hit a deadlock.

The talks, mediated by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FK), took more than 12 hours but the parties failed to reach a compromise. Sources said the management refused to budge.

"We have tabled our offer and we expect the management to come up with something presentable. If they fail, the situation persists," said Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli.

A distraught KQ MD Titus Naikuni refused to talk to the press, maintaining he will do so at the appropriate moment.

There was little business at KQ head office, Saturday. [PHOTO: MBUGUA KIBERA/STANDARD]

But as each side played hard ball, the situation at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was getting chaotic as stranded passengers became uncontrollable.

Dismissal letters

Saturday more flights were cancelled as striking employees converged for the second day running at the Aviation and Allied Workers Union (AAWU) offices in Embakasi.

A KQ director is said to have been assaulted by some West Africa passengers whose flights were cancelled on Friday and have been stranded at the airport since.

The management is also alleged to have dispersed dismissal letters to all striking employees.

"You were scheduled to be on duty on August 14. Though you reported for duty, you failed to perform your duties in solidarity with an illegal strike called by AAWU. You are therefore deemed to have breached your employment contract," read part of the letter signed by the human Resources relationship manager.

According to a proposal tabled by AAWU and supported by Cotu seen by The Standard on Sunday, the union agreed to back down from an initial demand of a 130 per cent increase to 68 per cent for low-income employees between the H1 and H5 job groups.

For the rest of the employees in job groups H6 to H9, the union tabled an average rate of 34 per cent increment.

The rates were based on the poor performance of the economy that has resulted in a general increase in cost of living.

 

 

Read all about: strike Kenya Airways Central Organisation of Trade Unions Cotu Federation of Kenya Employers Aviation and Allied Workers Union Titus Naikuni Francis Atwoli Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA

 

 

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