The Lithuanian Trade Union Center is made up of the former Communist-era union and other groups. Two other large independent unions are the Lithuanian Workers Union and the Unification of Trade Unions. Workers have the right to strike. A 1994 law eliminated provisions protecting union officials from dismissals by employers. Wages are freely set, restrained by a minimum wage since 1993.
Individuals are free to change occupations.
The constitution forbids forced labor and the exploitation of minor-age children is prohibited. To Operate A Business Laws and regulations governing the establishment of business do not foreclose large sectors of the population from participating in business if they have they means and inclination to do so. Commercial entry into strategic sectors such as energy, defense and telecommunications is regulated by the government. The government has initiated reforms to create competitive markets through the removal of barriers to starting new businesses, elimination of restrictive licensing requirements for production and distribution, lifting geographical restrictions on trade, and splitting up conglomerates and large state enterprises. Government contracts are competitively let, conforming to Western standards.