The law states that all workers, including military personnel and the police, may form or join unions of their choosing. Approximately 80 percent of wage earners belong to unions that are independent of the Government and political parties. All unions except those representing civil servants or the military have the right to strike. Unions may affiliate freely with international organizations, and they do so actively. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively Workers and employers acknowledge each other's right to organize.
Collective bargaining is protected by law and is widespread in practice.
The law prohibits antiunion discrimination by employers against union members and organizers, and there are mechanisms to resolve disputes. Employers found guilty of antiunion discrimination are required to reinstate workers fired for union activities. In the private sector, salaries, benefits, and working conditions are agreed upon in biennial or triennial negotiations between the various employers' associations and their union counterparts. If the negotiations fail, a national conciliation board mediates, and its proposal is voted on by management and labor. The agreements, in turn, are used as guidelines throughout the public as well as the private sector.