KQ is staring at strike as pilots issue Strike Notice within 14 days

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has issued a -14 days strike notice to the management of Kenya Airways.

The association accuses the KQ leadership of responding to the demands they raised a while ago.

In a letter addressed to KQ Chief Executive Officer, Allan Kilavuka“KQ management team remains unperturbed and unbothered to find solutions to these matters that have continued to impact the pilot fraternity.”

KALPA have raised four grievances among them the withdrawal of KQ’s staff provident fund, harassment of union officials, non-adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and leadership and governance issues at the airline.

“We believe that a major overhaul and the restructuring of the entire KQ board and management team will be necessary if the airline seeks to fly out of the current turbulence. The KQ internal mismanagement, incompetence, and sheer impunity have continued to negatively impact the airline’s operations, financial viability, and the ability of the airline to maintain its image as the Pride of Africa.” KALPA further alleges.

The management of KQ has however responded to KALPA’s strike notice to the strike notice saying that they have been caught unawares by the strike notice saying the listed grievances were not indicated during consultation meetings.

According to KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka.“KALPA union officials have neither used nor exhausted the dispute resolution mechanisms that are available to them as per labor laws. It is also unfortunate that KALPA has taken this action at a time when KQ is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and is beginning to record improvement in its operations.”

The poor relationship between KQ and KALPA is not something new. With the CBA’s fulfillment by KQ management being the main thorn in the flesh over the years.

GAROWE ONLINE