A labour shortage has pushed Kenya Airways to advertise positions for pilot and captain amid pilot strikes that have disrupted flights.
“We would like to urge Kenyans and other pilots who would like to join us to please apply. You will see it in both LinkedIn and other areas,” KQ Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka said Monday.
“We want them (Kenya Alliance Pilots Association) to go back to work before we can talk to the pilots. It’s too late for talks. They either come to work, or we replace them,” Kilavuka told the media.
According to KQ, at least 20 pilots have returned to work, while 132 others have called in to say they cannot fly.
“For those who have not come, we have initiated disciplinary actions. We have advertised for jobs today,” Kilavuka said.
20 @KenyaAirways pilots have availed themselves for duty – CEO Allan Kilavuka https://t.co/JaXo25Gu7k pic.twitter.com/UdH1SFDzV0
— Khusoko (@khusoko) November 7, 2022
“We want pilots to go back to work immediately. There is no negotiation. They are trying to hold us hostage. The longer they stay out there, the longer we aren’t able to get money to pay them.”
“If you fit the profile, then apply today. Please submit a copy of your detailed Curriculum Vitae here on LinkedIn only by Friday, November 18, 2022. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted,” read an advertisement posted online by the carrier.
The industrial action by the KQ pilots entered its third day on Monday and has affected over 12,000 passengers and businesses that use the carrier to import and export goods.
KQ says the strike will cost it approximately KSh300 million a day.
The airline said 56 flights were cancelled on Sunday, with 12,000 passengers’ travel disrupted.
“Since the strike took effect, we have not carried any fresh produce to the Middle East and Europe. On average, we carry about 15 tonnes of fresh produce,” Allan Kilavuka, group managing director and CEO Kenya Airways, said.
“We have also not brought goods into the country, mainly pharmaceuticals…This has also greatly impacted intra-Africa trade.”
“We are at a stalemate. Therefore, they (KALPA) are holding passengers, other employees, management, and the economy at ransom. We reiterate that negotiations require good faith and compromise.”
The airline has also issued notice to withdraw from the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement and Recognition Agreement with the Kenya Airline Pilots Association.
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