The board of Kenya Airways (KQ) have said that the pilots’ union’s issues do not warrant a strike.
The Board of Directors has also expressed its support for CEO Allan Kilavuka and the whole management team.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 2, Board Chairperson Michael Joseph accused the pilots’ union of shifting their demands from payment disputes to seeking the resignation or expulsion of the management team.
“The Board also notes that KALPA’s demands have shifted from grievances about the suspension of the KQ Provident Fund (which affects all airline employees), the Ab Initio Loan fund, Annual Leave, and other issues to outright demands for the resignation/dismissal of the Management team, particularly the CEO, Allan Kilavuka,” Michael Joseph’s statement reads in part.
“The Board expresses its complete support and trust in Mr. Kilavuka and the Management in addressing the current situation and the Company.” The Board also remains committed to assisting Management in fulfilling the pledges made during COVID-19 as the Company’s financial situation improves, as indicated by the reinstatement of full pay and the continued payment of accrued deferred pay.”
Furthermore, the Board wants the pilots to end the strike because it “would prolong and disrupt Kenya Airways’ financial and operational recovery and create brand damage.”
“The negative impact will also affect thousands of employees as well as the large ecosystem that the airline supports,”
The airline pilots filed a 14-day strike warning two weeks ago, claiming the removal of the Provident Fund and intimidation of union leaders.
They stated that they intend to cease operations due to “severe concerns.”
Kenya Airways management then offered to restart contributions to the provident fund the following year.
KQ Chief Executive Allan Kilavuka recommended another option, resuming the provident fund immediately in lieu of paying postponed 2020 and 2021 payments.
The pilots stated they highlighted the issues on many occasions on behalf of their members through their union, Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), and that they remain unsolved.