Kenyan aviation workers ended a two-day strike on Tuesday after reaching an agreement with the government and industry authorities, clearing the way for normal operations to resume at airports across the country.
The industrial action caused flight cancellations and lengthy delays at several major airports, including Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, as well as facilities in Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union said its members would return to work immediately following talks with the Transport Ministry, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and domestic airline Jambojet.
Under the return-to-work agreement, employees will cooperate with airport management to restore regular services as quickly as possible.
The deal requires the Kenya Airports Authority to immediately release agency fees owed to the union. KAWU and the civil aviation authority will also resume negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement, with the authority pledging to implement the eventual outcome.
Workers who participated in the strike will not face intimidation, discrimination or disciplinary measures because of their involvement, according to the agreement.
A separate dispute between KAWU and Jambojet over formal recognition of the union remains before the courts. Both parties have agreed to comply with the final ruling.
The strike began on Sunday and severely affected operations at Nairobi’s main international airport. Kenya Airways reported cancellations and delays, while RwandAir canceled two services on Monday because of air traffic control restrictions at the hub.
It was Kenya’s second major aviation strike this year. A similar walkout in February disrupted the country’s airspace and operations at Jomo Kenyatta airport for roughly a day and a half before government-mediated negotiations brought workers back to their posts.