Cotu opposes deployment of NYS officers to airports
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) in Kenya has opposed plans to deploy National Youth Service (NYS) personnel to airports, citing threats to permanent aviation jobs. This comes as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union prepares for a potential nationwide strike over unresolved labor disputes.
Why it matters
A potential strike at major airports could cause significant disruptions to regional and international travel and logistics.
NYS officers during a passing out ceremony at the Gilgil training college. /FILE
The Central Organization of Trade Unions has opposed reported plans to deploy National Youth Service personnel to airports, saying the move would undermine permanent employment and threaten the jobs of aviation workers.
Cotu said it fully supports the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), which has accused aviation agencies of seeking to replace permanent workers with insecure labour arrangements.
The federation's position comes as KAWU prepares for a nationwide strike over years of unresolved labour disputes involving the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and other aviation employers.
On Thursday, the union issued a seven-day strike notice, warning that unionisable employees will down their tools if their grievances are not addressed within the notice period.
KAWU secretary general Moss Ndiema urged travellers to prepare for possible disruptions if negotiations fail.
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