News
Airline sacks striking workers as chaos reigns in airports
Kenyan MPs From left: Adan Keynan, Daniel Muoki, Peter Kiilu, George Thuo and Simon Mbugua stranded at the Moi International Airport as they waited to board a KQ flight to Nairobi. PHOTO/GIDEON MAUNDU
Posted Saturday, August 15 2009 at 23:18
In Summary
- Travellers cancelled their plans as others sought other carriers or transport means
Kenya Airways on Saturday sacked all striking workers.
The dismissal letters signed by the acting manager of passenger services Egla Too said the workers had breached their employment contract and were required to clear with the company immediately.
The decision by the airline complicated efforts to end the strike that entered its second day on Saturday.
Last night, trade union officials and KQ management were locked in tense negotiations to resolve the deadlock that could take a huge toll on the reputation of the national carrier and cost the economy millions of shillings.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary-general Francis Atwoli met KQ managers together with representatives of the striking workers.
Speaking at the Aviation and Allied Workers Union offices in Embakasi, the Cotu boss called for “urgent measures to solve the crisis”.
The Kenya Airline Pilots Association and Federation of Kenya Employers representatives also attended the negotiation meeting.
AAWU secretary-general Jimmy Masege said that the union was willing to go down from the 130 per cent increase they have demanded to a “reasonable amount”.
But Kenya Airways chief executive Titus Naikuni on Friday said a 130 per cent pay raise would bankrupt the company.
Least paid
AAWU officials said the least paid worker earned Sh8,863 but the airline’s management refuted this putting the figure at Sh21,000 per month for the least paid employee.
The highest paid unionisable worker earns Sh80,000 per month including allowances, said Mr Naikuni.
Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere warned striking employees of dire consequences.
“It is sad and shameful that the union has failed to recognise the current economic position globally and instead gone ahead to demand higher pay,” said the minister.
As the negotiations continued, hundreds of Kenya Airways passengers were stranded at airports last evening.
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Submitted by RebsyPosted August 17, 2009 12:33 PM
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Submitted by yesuwangu
Titus should not behave as if he owns KQ .He is also employed and disatisfaction of staff is also his failure and lack of initiative.Titus must consult, top representative management he should consult,the board,ministries and all mechanism to bring the strike under control. sacking people and thinking you can employ the same wrong and lack of management against all odds in any organization.long time experience staff are an assets of any company which is on the rise to produce quality service and trust.Naikuni think again before you react control your temper
Posted August 16, 2009 05:33 PM -
Submitted by YusufK
Much as I agree we need a quick solution to this crisis, I dont think Ramadhan Kajembe's suggestion that Transport Ministry introduces another national carrier is the solution: We cannot start new companies every time there's an industrial dispute - i)its more economical to deal with the causes, ii)govt has other pressing priorities, iii)its not responsibility of govt to offer air transport. In fact KQ is just a "National Carrier" only by name
Posted August 16, 2009 12:15 PM -
Submitted by jofread
A strike is never the right solution, but the statement of Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere, who warned striking employees of dire consequences, is out of line with reality. With making this statement, Mr Mwakwere is telling that having a better monthly payment is the prerogative of the MP’s only. They do not have to go on strike; they just decide to do so. Shame on you minister.
Posted August 16, 2009 10:44 AM -
Submitted by 1jere
What a country we live in. All strikes are illegal, while everyone else wants a pay rise. When do people work? In truth, what this country needs is a blanket pay cut. Think about it, where does any economy end up when wages go up without a corresponding increase in goods and services? Inflation! This country's CEO needs to set the benchmark by cutting down his own salary, which will make it near impossible to demand a pay rise. KQ has already lost clients, money, goodwill and productivity. How, dear unions, will the airline recover from this?
Posted August 16, 2009 10:06 AM
RSS
Sacking the employees was a rather illiterate move. Thereafter calling for negotiations for what, I think these guys acted on impulse. I mean, silence of the workers would have jus led to poor productivity. The strike was definitelty evitable and all strikes are! What managers need to do is have a sincere sitting with the striking employees and try and get to a point of understanding. Everyone is demanding for higher pay yes, but We are ignoring the fact the global financial crisis??! People should always practice a win-win approach to life, irregardless of the position.