NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The workers' union at Kenya's main airport has announced the end of a strike that brought flights to a grinding halt on Wednesday, following the awarding of a contract for the airport's modernization and operations to an Indian firm.
The strike, called by the Kenya Airport Workers' Union (KAWU), saw hundreds of employees down tools in protest over the decision, which they claimed was made without consultation with the union.
The contract, reportedly worth millions of dollars, is expected to lead to significant changes in the way the airport is run, with the Indian firm, Mumias Sugar Company, being responsible for the day-to-day management of the airport.
The union claimed that the decision to award the contract to the Indian firm was done without proper consultation and without due regard to the welfare of the employees. The union also claimed that the contract would lead to job losses and other negative consequences for the employees.
The strike had significant effects on the airport, with flights grounded and passengers stranded. Many passengers expressed frustration and disappointment at the disruption to their travel plans.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which is responsible for managing the airport, had urged calm and patience, saying that negotiations were underway to resolve the dispute.
With the strike now over, the KAWU has said that it will continue to engage with the KAA and the Indian firm to ensure that the interests of the employees are protected.
The strike has also raised questions about the future of the airport and the role of foreign firms in managing critical infrastructure in Kenya. Some have expressed concerns that the awarding of the contract to an Indian firm could lead to foreign control over the airport and potentially threaten the country's sovereignty.
The KAA has said that the contract was awarded in accordance with international best practices and that all necessary procedures were followed. The authority has also assured the public that the airport will resume normal operations as soon as possible.