Nairobi, Sept. 10 -- The industrial action by aviation workers that disrupted operations across all airports in Kenya was more than an industrial-relations dispute. It exposed a larger question: Can Kenya protect and strengthen its position as East Africa's aviation, trade and logistics gateway?

Workers have a legitimate right to collective bargaining, fair pay, decent working conditions and a voice in decisions affecting their employment. Those rights must be respected. Employers and the government also have a responsibility to negotiate in good faith, honour agreements, provide safe workplaces and address legitimate grievances before they escalate into strikes.

At the same time, workers and their unions have a responsibility to consid...