Kenya Aviation: KAWU Strike Agreement Ends Dispute, New CBA Talks Set

• Aviation workers in Kenya ended their industrial action on September 1 after reaching a return-to-work agreement.
• The agreement mandates the immediate remittance of KAWU agency fees by Kenya Airports Authority PLC (KAA) and paves the way for KAWU-KCAA CBA negotiations.
• The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) issued new parameters for CBA talks, though KAWU expressed reservations.
• A non-victimisation clause protects striking employees from disciplinary action or discrimination.
• The KAWU-Jambojet recognition dispute will proceed through the courts, with parties agreeing to abide by the judicial outcome.

The agreement effectively transitions the focus from industrial action to structured negotiation, particularly concerning the terms of the KAWU-KCAA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

A significant industrial dispute within Kenya's aviation sector concluded on September 1, as aviation workers called off their strike and returned to their duties. This resolution followed the successful negotiation of a return-to-work agreement between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and various employers, averting further disruption to critical operations. The agreement immediately addresses a key financial obligation, stipulating that the Kenya Airports Authority PLC (KAA) must remit agency fees owed to KAWU without delay.

Crucially, the agreement includes a non-victimisation clause, offering protection to employees who participated in the industrial action. This provision explicitly states that no worker will face victimisation, intimidation, discrimination, or disciplinary measures due to their involvement in the strike. Both parties have also committed to fostering industrial peace and resolving any future disagreements through established mechanisms such as consultation and negotiation, rather than resorting to further industrial action.

A central component of the recent KAWU strike agreement in Kenya aviation is the commitment to immediately commence fresh negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). This development was made possible after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) withdrew its initial guidance on these negotiations, which had been communicated in a letter dated July 28, 2026.

On the same day the strike ended, September 1, the SRC issued new parameters intended to guide the upcoming CBA discussions. While KAWU acknowledged these revised guidelines, the union also expressed reservations, indicating an intention to address perceived shortcomings during the negotiation process. The KCAA, for its part, has committed to honoring and implementing the final outcome of these crucial talks, underscoring the importance of the KAWU KCAA CBA negotiations for the sector.

Beyond the immediate strike resolution, the agreement also addresses the long-standing recognition dispute between KAWU and Jambojet. This particular matter is currently undergoing judicial review, and the parties have mutually agreed to await the court's determination, pledging to abide by the eventual decision. Jambojet has further committed to adhering to all applicable legal and procedural requirements concerning trade union recognition.

This aspect of the agreement highlights the ongoing legal complexities surrounding union recognition in Kenya's aviation landscape, with the Jambojet KAWU recognition dispute serving as a prominent example of issues that require judicial intervention.

The successful conclusion of the KAWU strike agreement in Kenya aviation represents a pivotal shift from direct industrial confrontation to a structured process of dialogue and negotiation. The inclusion of a Kenya non-victimisation clause is a significant safeguard for workers, ensuring their participation in legitimate industrial action does not lead to punitive measures. This outcome underscores the evolving dynamics of labor relations in the country's public and aviation sectors.

The upcoming KAWU-KCAA CBA negotiations will be closely watched, as their outcome will directly influence the terms and conditions for aviation workers. These discussions will also take place under continued scrutiny regarding the role of SRC guidance public sector pay Kenya, as the commission's parameters significantly shape remuneration frameworks. The overall agreement sets a precedent for resolving disputes through established mechanisms, aiming to maintain industrial peace and stability within a vital economic sector.

Lawyers advising employers in Kenya's public or aviation sectors should note the practical implications of return-to-work agreements, especially non-victimisation clauses, and closely monitor the evolving role of SRC guidance in collective bargaining negotiations. The ongoing court process for the Jambojet recognition dispute also highlights key considerations for trade union recognition.

Source: Original reporting on Kenyan aviation labor relations.