The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has called off their strike after entering a plea bargain with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)on Monday, that will see its members released in exchange for calling off the strike.
The DPP has withdrawn criminal charges against the Secretary-General of KAWU Moses Ndiema , and 10 others who were arrested during the standoff. The other officials include Richard Mutei, Robert Lichoro, Dan Kataka, Martha Wangeci, Selina Awala, Maxwell Osaka, Joyrender Ochieng,Charles Mwangi and Nicholas Barasa.
The striking workers will be expected to adhere to the orders issued by the employment and labour relations court on March 5, 2019, that requires them to refrain from industrial action.
According to the agreement seen by Standard Digital, KAWU and its members are required to cooperate with its employers to ensure normalization of operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The union will also be allowed to pursue its grievances but within a legal framework.
Despite Transport Cabinet Secretary Macharia threatening to sack the striking workers, part of the agreement is said to be against victimization of KAWU members.
“There shall be no victimization of union officials, KAWU, and all employees in any manner whatsoever by the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airways PLC, Tradewinds Aviation Services, and any other employer at JKIA affected by the industrial action,” states the agreement.
On March 6, the union downed their tools protesting against JKIA take-over dubbed Project Simba. Operations at JKIA were paralysed for some hours, resulting in cancellation and rescheduling of flights.
