It is now officially announced that aviation workers have called off their industrial action and resumed normal duties after reaching a return-to-work agreement with their employers, ending a standoff that threatened to disrupt operations across the sector.
Under the executed agreement, the union formally ended the strike, directing all affected employees to return to work immediately and cooperate with management to restore normal operations. To safeguard employees, the deal includes a strict non-victimization clause ensuring that no worker will face intimidation, discrimination, or disciplinary action for participating in the strike.
A primary outcome of the deal is the immediate remittance of agency fees owed to the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), which are currently held by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). Additionally, the agreement resolves a long-running recognition dispute between KAWU and Jambojet. While the matter remains before the courts, Jambojet committed to complying with all legal requirements for trade union recognition, with both parties agreeing to abide by the final court ruling.
The deal also clears the path for fresh Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). This follows the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) withdrawal of its initial guidance from July 28, 2026, and the issuance of revised parameters on September 1.
Although KAWU noted reservations regarding the new SRC advisory, the union opted to end the strike and address those shortcomings directly at the bargaining table. The agreement states: “While the union has reservations on the SRC guidelines issued on the 1st September, 2026 … and seeks to remedy the shortcomings arising from the said advisory during the CBA negotiations.”
KCAA has committed to honoring and implementing the eventual outcome of the CBA talks. Both sides pledged to maintain industrial peace and resolve any future disputes through consultation, negotiations, and established dispute-resolution mechanisms.
By shifting the conflict from industrial action to structured negotiations, the resolution turns attention to the upcoming KAWU-KCAA talks. The final terms of that CBA will determine whether the union’s concessions translate into lasting improvements for aviation workers amid ongoing debate over public-sector remuneration guidelines.
