KALPA Faults KQ For Pilot Victimization, Harassment

Kenya Airline Pilots Association (Kalpa) has accused Kenya Airways (KQ) of pilot victimization.

Kalpa says that its officials and members have been harassed by the national carrier through sacking and intimidations.

It wants the airline to stop the victimization immediately lest it calls for an industrial strike.

“Allow us to highlight two cases; One of our members had baseless allegations brought against him by his immediate manager for respecting his terms and conditions of employment as outlined in the CBA,”

“He raised a grievance against the harassment with the Head of Department who responded by instituting a thoughtless disciplinary process against the pilot. The matter was escalated to the Ministry of Labour where the matter was rightfully ruled in favour of the pilot,” Kalpa Secretary General Murithi Nyagah said.

Captain Nyagah said KQ management disregarded the recommendation of the reconciliation process and proceeded to terminate the pilot’s employment unprocedurally.

He also gave another example where KQ management withdrew another pilot from active duty in an attempt to enforce non-existent regulations on medical fitness, despite the pilot being in full compliance of Kenya Civil Aviation Regulation

“At the time, both these pilots were active members of the KALPA Executive Council, it is clear to KALPA and to any just eyes that these two pilots were being harassed by virtue of them being vocal and passionate officials of the Association.”

Other points of concerns raised by the pilots include unilateral withdrawal of the staff provident fund, non-adherence to Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations as well as leadership and governance challenges.

He added that the lobby is open to consultation with the airline to iron out the differences before the 14-day industrial action it issued earlier lapses tomorrow.

“Pilots have expressed great restraint in these circumstances and have continued to hold out hope for a favorable resolution. KALPA is agreeable towards and remains committed to any genuine efforts aimed at resolving the current statement,” he added.