The engineers say they were dismissed illegally, and no one listened to their cries before they were dismissed. [Photo/Nation]
Kenya Airways has been ordered by Labour Court to immediately reinstate sacked engineers and technicians.
The directive, which was made on Monday, is a big relief for the sacked employees, pending hearing and determination of their case.
Hellen Wasilwa presided over the case, in which the employees have to challenge their dismissal by the airline company, after allegedly stating an ‘illegal’ strike.
The court however granted the company’s lawyer a request to file a response in the case by today, Tuesday.
The judge’s argument, however, was based on the fact that the engineers form an important unit in the day-to-day operations of the aircrafts, and it would be detrimental to fly in aircrafts that have not been serviced properly.
The airline had planned to replace the employees, after they advertised for job openings on December 1 for the over 130 posts.
According to the workers, they never got the chance to air their grievances, and no one listened to their cries before they were dismissed.
The hearing resumes on December 20.