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Kenya aviation workers end strike that paralyzed airport operations in the capital

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan aviation workers on Tuesday called off a strike that paralyzed air traffic for two days at the main international airport in the capital Nairobi.

Moss Ndiema, head of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, said the strike that started Sunday had been called off immediately. The go-slow strike ended after the union reached an agreement with Kenya Airports Authority and others.

The strike left many travelers stranded by cancellations and flight delays.

Hellen Moraa, who was heading to the Netherlands via Dubai for business, said at the airport that the delays could cost her financially.

“It is unfair,” she said Monday.

Operations at airports elsewhere in Kenya also were affected by the strike. Unionized members alleged unfair staff hiring practices, poor compensation and proposed changes to the management of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The airport has been plagued by intermitted industrial action as unionized workers demand better pay and working conditions.

A similar strike in February stranded passengers at the airport, a major transport hub for regional and international travel.

Indonesia doubles down on coal to power its aluminum expansion

BANGKOK (AP) — Resource-rich Indonesia is expanding its production of aluminum as the Iran war disrupts supplies, relying on its abundant coal reserves to power new smelters that run contrary to efforts to curb carbon emissions that cause climate change. Prices have risen due to fuel shortfalls and attacks on infrastructure that have slowed production in the Middle East of the lightweight, silverish metal used in everything from kitchen foil and power lines to smartphones and cars. In working to raise its limited manufacturing capacity, Indonesia has a strong ally in China, which makes 60% of the world's aluminum but is keen to reduce pollution and emissions from smelters on its own shores. Chinese companies have invested in about three-quarters of the planned Indonesian projects. Here's what to know about Indonesia's ambitious aluminum plans:
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