Kenya Airways says it is “open and willing” to hold talks with the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), the trade union representing its pilots, to avert a strike.
“We were not able to strike an agreement,” Allan Kilavuka said at a media briefing on Tuesday in Nairobi.
“We are still open and willing to have discussions regarding the grievances they have raised.”
KALP has cited the airline’s failure to implement pay agreements (CBA), alleged victimisation of its members and non-payment of monthly pension contributions for staff as reasons to lay down tools.
Kilavuka says the airline’s current financial position is insufficient to fund the pension scheme. “Yes, we can, but at the expense of deferred pay. We cannot fund both,” he disclosed.
“It will be selfish for us to go after the taxpayer.”
Kilavuka said their interest is for the airline to prosper, and the industrial action does not benefit anybody.
“This is the wrong time for the wrong reason.”
Kenya Airways Plc obtained a court order to stop the planned strike that pilots planned to begin on Wednesday.
