Allegations that an employee has been fired for union activity may be brought before the Labor Court, which can order redress such as the payment of damages with interest. There are no export processing zones. Such practices are outlawed and do not occur. The minimum age for employment is 16 years. Special restrictions apply to the hiring, worktimes, and other conditions of workers 16 to 18 years old.
Most workers receive more than the minimum.
The legal workweek is 39 hours. Health and safety standards are fixed by law and government decree. These standards are enforced by health and safety committees in the workplace and by the government Labor Inspector. Return to 1996 Human Rights Practices report home page. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.