[Kuwait] Kuwait Airways worker strike begins with escalation threatened

On May 22, the Workers’ Union of Kuwait Airways and Subsidiaries went on a two-hour partial strike to highlight grievances such as low salaries, non-disbursement of rewards, tampering with workers’ rights and the squandering of their earnings, Arabian Business reports.

News of the strike was first reported by Kuwait Times. It said that, in a show of discontent and frustration, Talal Al-Hajeri - the head of the union - stated that the partial strike was only the first step. 

Further escalations, including potentially halting air traffic, would reportedly be taken if the demands were not met.

In response to the strike, Kuwait Airways assured its customers that passenger movement and airport operations be unaffected.

The airline made the comments via Twitter, posting, “Kuwait Airways would like to inform its valued customers that the partial strike carried out by some members of the Workers' Union outside Terminal 4 today, May 2023, 22, has ended and all flights left normally and above typical departure times. We thank Kuwait Airways, the Ministry of Interior, and the General Administration of Civil Aviation for their tireless efforts and unlimited cooperation in ensuring security and providing personalised service to our valued customers.”

The airline reportedly highlighted its coordination with the interior ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to ensure the smooth functioning of operations. Customers were urged to stick to their flight schedules and keep themselves updated about any changes through official communication channels.

Kuwait Airways workers on strike

Al-Hajeri pointed out stark salary discrepancies; reportedly revealing that Kuwaiti employees at Kuwait Airways earn no more than KD 800, while new foreign employees receive salaries of up to KD 4,000, together with a road allowance of KD 250.

He also questioned the rationale behind providing a road allowance in a small country like Kuwait.

The response from the board of directors to the objectors was to reportedly return to government employment, further fueling workers’ grievances.

Captain Mowaffaq Al-Maoud - Chief Instructor of Pilots at Kuwait Airways - cautioned that if demands were not met or if employees were prevented from organising another sit-in, there would be no flights next week.

Al-Maoud reportedly emphasised a need for clarity regarding the employment status of Kuwait Airways employees, calling for equitable salaries and rights that are comparable to workers in other government sectors.

Source: Arabian Business

(Link and quotes via original reporting)

On May 22, the Workers’ Union of Kuwait Airways and Subsidiaries went on a two-hour partial strike to highlight grievances such as low salaries, non-disbursement of rewards, tampering with workers’ rights and the squandering of their earnings, Arabian Business reports.

News of the strike was first reported by Kuwait Times. It said that, in a show of discontent and frustration, Talal Al-Hajeri - the head of the union - stated that the partial strike was only the first step. 

Further escalations, including potentially halting air traffic, would reportedly be taken if the demands were not met.

In response to the strike, Kuwait Airways assured its customers that passenger movement and airport operations be unaffected.

The airline made the comments via Twitter, posting, “Kuwait Airways would like to inform its valued customers that the partial strike carried out by some members of the Workers' Union outside Terminal 4 today, May 2023, 22, has ended and all flights left normally and above typical departure times. We thank Kuwait Airways, the Ministry of Interior, and the General Administration of Civil Aviation for their tireless efforts and unlimited cooperation in ensuring security and providing personalised service to our valued customers.”

The airline reportedly highlighted its coordination with the interior ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to ensure the smooth functioning of operations. Customers were urged to stick to their flight schedules and keep themselves updated about any changes through official communication channels.

Kuwait Airways workers on strike

Al-Hajeri pointed out stark salary discrepancies; reportedly revealing that Kuwaiti employees at Kuwait Airways earn no more than KD 800, while new foreign employees receive salaries of up to KD 4,000, together with a road allowance of KD 250.

He also questioned the rationale behind providing a road allowance in a small country like Kuwait.

The response from the board of directors to the objectors was to reportedly return to government employment, further fueling workers’ grievances.

Captain Mowaffaq Al-Maoud - Chief Instructor of Pilots at Kuwait Airways - cautioned that if demands were not met or if employees were prevented from organising another sit-in, there would be no flights next week.

Al-Maoud reportedly emphasised a need for clarity regarding the employment status of Kuwait Airways employees, calling for equitable salaries and rights that are comparable to workers in other government sectors.

Source: Arabian Business

(Link and quotes via original reporting)