By David Ochami

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has set up an inter-ministerial team to tackle labour unrest and wages.

The move was prompted by the strike by Kenya Airways staff, which cost the national carrier between Sh150-200 million.

A wave of similar strikes in recession-hit South Africa has degenerated into violent confrontations and further hurt the economy.

The 56-hour KQ strike disrupted airport operations at until an agreement was reached between management and union officials on Sunday morning.

Raila said the Government is concerned with "the plight of workers at Kenya Airways".

But the PM said the long-term goal of the taskforce’s work is to end labour unrest in all sectors for the sake of "industrial harmony".

Sitting Out? Kenya Airways staff outside their union offices during their strike at the weekend. Prime Minister Raila Odinga has set up a taskforce to tackle labour disputes. Photo: Stafford Ondego/Standard]

On Sunday evening, Raila met the General-Secretary of the Aviation and Allied Workers Union Jimi Masege, Kenya Airways Managing Director Titus Naikuni and Cabinet ministers Uhuru Kenyatta (Finance), Najib Balala (Tourism) and Moses Wetangula (Foreign Affairs) to discuss the airline and general labour unrest.

Also present was Attorney-General Amos Wako, who was requested to terminate the prosecution of Mr Masege and other union officials charged over the strike.

"The meeting has resolved to form an inter-ministerial taskforce to look into various labour issues, including wages," Raila said after the meeting.

Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Investment Secretary Esther Koimett and Foreign Affairs PS Thuita Mwangi also attended.

Raila criticised the union for calling the strike despite a court order, but also chastised the airline’s management for failing to prevent it.

He also rebuked police for using brutal force against the striking workers and union officials.

"It was irresponsible for them (union) to go on strike despite a court order," he said.

He defended workers’ right to industrial action and asked Police Commissioner Hussein Ali to name officers involved in the arrests.

Earlier, Kenya Airways had said it did not call the police, who dispersed their striking workers and detained Masege.

"The Government does want high-handedness and will take action against all those involved in the arrests," Raila said.

He said that as principal shareholder, the Government reserves the right to intervene in Kenya Airways to protect a national asset.

He also directed the union and airline management to honour the return-to-work formula and reinstate those who had been sacked.

Details of the taskforce’s mandate and composition were not available immediately, but Raila hinted it might dwell on low pay and emerging threats to organised labour.

He said the economy requires highly trained and well-paid workers "to compete with countries like China, India, Korea and other emerging economies".