Stranded passengers wait Monday outside Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after operations were paralyzed for the second day by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union strike. International and local flights were disrupted and thousands of passengers were left stranded after KAWU members went on strike over pay and the lack of implementation of previous agreements. Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA/
Aug. 31 (UPI) — Flight issues continued Monday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, and other Kenyan airports, in which a workers’ strike has left hundreds of people stranded or delayed.
Kenya’s aviation workers started a “go-slow” strike Sunday, saying the government failed to honor the terms of a memorandum of understanding with the union.
“They have never committed to the negotiations and have failed to cooperate and show effort in resolving our grievances,” said Moss Ndiema, Kenya Aviation Workers Union secretary-general.
This has led to flight delays and cancelations, Kenya Airways said. It advised customers to travel to the airport only if they have been advised to do so or if their flight has been confirmed as operating.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this situation has caused to travel plans,” the airline said in a statement. “The safety of our customers and crew remains our highest priority. Our teams are working with the relevant aviation stakeholders to ensure safe operations and minimize the inconvenience and disruption to our customers’ travels.”
At times, the airline reported delays of more than 6 hours.
Talks between aviation worker unions and the airport were expected to continue Monday after they ended without resolution Sunday.
Meanwhile, Kenya Railways announced it is adding special Nairobi-Mombasa trains Monday and Tuesday to cope with “increased passenger demand.”
“Passengers are encouraged to make their bookings early and take advantage of the additional train services,” it said in a notice.