Information reaching us is that a total of 134 workers whose hard work keeps the airport running have now downed their tools, resulting in a work stoppage after their employer, FAVORI LLC, refused to:

1. negotiate an equal and fair pay system for the workers;
2. end discrimination and harassment in the workplace;
3. stop endangering the health and safety of workers at work; and
4. stop the unilateral decision to amend the employment contracts in total disregard of the existing agreements, the provisions of the federal labour law and international labour standards, in particular ILO Convention 98.

We have also learnt that FAVORI LLC has consistently committed gross violations of labour rights by paying lower wages to Somali workers, while paying huge wages to non-nationals (both senior and lower management) This is in spite of receiving colossal profits largely from the sweat of Somali workers.

Workers have the right to express their views through peaceful demonstration in an atmosphere free of fear, intimidation, coercion, repression and violence. We reiterate our support to the airport workers who are using demonstration as a legal way to express their dissatisfaction and claim better recognition of their rights.

ITUC-Africa joins its affiliate FESTU to call on the Somali government and airport management to fully implement Somali labour law and international labour standards to end the labour abuses committed against Somali workers by FAVORI LLC.

In solidarity ,
Kwasi Adu-Amankwah
General Secretary, ITUC-Africa