There are no export processing zones. Although there are no laws prohibiting it, forced labor is not practiced. There is no federally mandated minimum age for employment, but state-imposed compulsory education requirements, monitored and enforced by state educational authorities, effectively prevent most children from joining the work force until they are 15 or 16 years of age. Federal and state governments monitor and enforce a network of laws, which vary from state to state, governing minimum school-leaving age, minimum age to claim unemployment benefits, and minimum age to engage in specified occupations. Although a formal minimum wage exists, it has not been relevant in wage agreements since the 1960's.
Most workers are employees of incorporated organizations.
Federal or state safety laws apply to every workplace. Most states and territories have laws that grant similar rights to their employees. At a minimum, private sector employees have recourse to state health and safety commissions, which will investigate complaints and demand remedial action. Return to 1996 Human Rights Practices report home page. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.