Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) – the union representing the Kenyan flag carrier Kenya Airways pilots – has issued a 14-day strike notice, a move likely to complicate the carriers’ operation during its peak travel season.
In an open letter sent to the Kenya Airways Managing Director Allan Kilavuka on Wednesday, the pilots alleged harassment and leadership issues as among their key grievances which the union says has been raised on multiple occasions but remain unresolved.
“We refer to the grave concerns that we have raised on multiple occasions on behalf of our members which remain unresolved. We have been desirous to resolve these matters through various engagements and we have made a number of pleas to the KQ leadership to address these matters to conclusion. However, you and the KQ management team remain unperturbed and unbothered to find solutions to these matters that have continued to impact the Pilot fraternity. In this regard and pursuant to section 76 of the Labour Relations Act 2007, we hereby notify you of our members’ intention to strike in 14 days from the date of this letter,” the letter reads.
The Airline’s Response to Union Demands
KQ in its response has termed the strike notice as “surprising” and “unfortunate” and comes at a time when the national carrier is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and is only “beginning to record improvements in its operations.”
The airline however noted it will be reviewing the strike notice through the laid down procedures.
