Kenya Airways Pilots Protest over Forced COVID-19 Tests in China

Kenya Airways (KQ) pilots are up in arms over what they termed as a violation of their rights by Chinese authorities.

Through the Kenya Airlines Pilots Association (KALPA), the pilots claim they are being subjected to ‘crude’ COVID-19 rules in the Chinese city of Guangzhou by being forced to give blood samples for testing. 

The union accused KQ of failing to protect its pilots and threatened to have them boycott flights to the Chinese city.

KQ pilots who are against the extraction of blood sample have been asked to forward their names to the chief pilot’s office.

“It is indeed shameful that crew continue to undergo inhumane treatment in China under management’s watch, despite their crucial role in ensuring a safe and commercially viable operation,” said KALPA CEO Murithi Nyagah. 

“Effective Thursday, December 17th, any Kalpa member who does not wish to be tested by the extraction of a blood sample will be forwarding their names to the Chief Pilot’s office, these pilots will not be rostered for China operations until further notice,” he added.

Further to this, KALPA vowed to take legal action for the violation of human rights if the national carrier fails to address their concerns.