State-sponsored unions control key social benefits and deductions from payrolls covering these benefits are transferred directly to the federation. Salaries are regulated by the Unified Tariff Schedule, which determines minimum wages for state enterprises, the private sector and joint-ventures. Annual discussions between the government trade union and management determine specific wages and benefits for each factory or enterprise. Technically, workers can freely change jobs, but political factors, arbitrary travel restrictions and an internal passport system can be used to prevent moving or changing residences. The constitution specifically prohibits forced labor, However, high school students are often forced to work in cotton fields for minimum pay.
Child labor is a problem in rural areas.
The process of registering a new business is not difficult, and small businesses are flourishing. The government has created several agencies to help foster small-scale private enterprise. Businesses employing fewer than 100 workers are set for rapid privatization. So far, less than 25 percent has been privatized. The government maintains control over sectors dealing with oil and gas, electricity, rail and air transport, communications, education, science, health and culture.