COTU call for "respect" to labour rights hours after Aviation workers ended strike

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli giving his remarks during the Thanksgiving ceremony at St.Stephen's ACK Church along Jogoo Road on April 30, 2026. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has called for "respect" to workers' rights in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, COTU-K Secretary General Francis Atwoli said there was a need to have industrial peace that is founded on respect for workers' rights, effective social dialogue, and the full implementation and negotiation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

Atwoli's remarks came just hours after aviation workers ended their two-day strike that grounded the country's airport operations to a near halt.

The aviation industry go-slow was called off after intense negotiations between Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the Ministry of Transport and COTU among other stakeholders.

"In consideration of the foregoing agreements and commitments, KAWU  calls off the industrial action and advises all its affected members to resume normal duties immediately upon execution of this Return-to-Work Agreement," reads a letter signed by KAWU, the ministry, KCAA, KAA and Jambojet.

On his part, Atwoli, who led the negotiations, said: "We welcome the agreement reached between KAWU, KCAA, KAA and Jambojet, including commitments on outstanding CBA matters, remittance of agency fees and protection of workers from victimisation for participating in the industrial action."

"Yesterday, I led engagements with the Ministry of Transport and other players aimed at restoring normal operations within our airports while firmly safeguarding the rights and welfare of aviation workers," he said.

"COTU (K) will continue engaging Government, employers and our affiliates to ensure that Kenya's aviation sector remains productive, stable and respectful of the rights and dignity of every worker," he added.