Central Organization of Trade Unions ( COTU) has threatened to call a nationwide strike should the government fail to release the officials of Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) who are being held at Industrial area prison.
Addressing workers at COTU headquarters ,the union secretary general Francis Atwoli said the move to detain the leaders is unconstitutional , ill-informed and that they were not given a chance to defend themselves at labor relations courts.
‘‘Next week we are going to seek guidance from our national executive committee and am telling it, that we will have a strike.Let the government release our colleagues immediately and unconditionally.’’ He said.
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Atwoli also wants transport cabinet secretary James Macharia and his labor counterpart Ukur Yatani fired for not taking early steps to avert what he termed as yesterdays embarrassment that was witnessed at JKIA.
‘’Mr President should first fire the two cabinet secretaries Macharia and Yatani because they failed to engage union officials even after the 7 days strike notice was served to them.’’ He noted.
Meanwhile those who were arrested are expected in court on Friday to answer criminal charges leveled against them.
The workers are opposed to planned merger of KAA and Kenya Airways ,which they fear will result massive job losses.
