Unrelated to the strikes discussed above, and ignoring legal requirements for notification, the Government summarily dismissed a number of civil servants. Critics contend that the Government's motivations are political. Several of the people dismissed have successfully fought their dismissals through appeal to the Vanuatu national court system. Others are expected to appeal. Bargain Collectively Unions exercise the right to organize and bargain collectively.
Labor unions negotiate wages and conditions directly with management.
If the two sides cannot agree, the matter is referred to a three-member Arbitration Board appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs. The board consists of one representative from organized labor, one from management, and the senior magistrate of the magistrate's court. While a dispute is before the board, labor may not strike and management may not dismiss union employees. Unions and management, however, generally reach agreement on wages without having to refer the matter to arbitration. There are no export processing zones.