Flights disrupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport over KAA workers strike

Passengers were on Wednesday stranded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers kicked off what seemed to be a planned strike.

Reports indicate that the workers are opposed to the ongoing KAA-KQ merger negotiations.

Passengers reported that flights had not left the airport since 3 a.m. and the workers appeared to be on a go-slow.

Passengers stranded at the JKIA on March 6, 2019. Reported go-slow of KAA workers (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

KAA workers strike suspended

According to the Wednesday events, the strike went on as planned despite a 60-day suspension announced by Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) Secretary-General Moses Ndiema.

"Kenya Airports Authority would like to inform the public and all its stakeholders that the 7 day strike notice issued by Kawu on 29th January 2019, stands suspended for a period of 60 days, to allow for further deliberations.

"We wish to assure the public that operations at all our airports are normal," the statement read in part.

Passengers stranded at the JKIA on March 6, 2019. Reported go-slow of KAA workers (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

A Media Advisory issued by the airports authority on Tuesday evening still insisted that operations were as normal at the JKIA.

"The strike notice dated 27/02/2019 by Kenya Aviation Workers Union stands suspended following issuance of an order of injunction by the Employment & Labour Relations court on 5/03/2019.

"We wish to assure the general public of normal operations at all our Airports," read the Tuesday press release.