The new Constitution provides for freedom of association, including the right to form labor unions. Most Azerbaijani labor unions continue to be highly dependent upon the government, although there is an independent oil workers union. There is a legal right to strike. One strike was reported in 1995 which involved oil workers. There are no provisions for retribution against strikers.
Unions are free to form federations and to affiliate with international bodies.
Azerbaijan is a member of the International Labor Organization. Government-appointed boards and directors run the major enterprises and set wages. Unions do not participate in determining wage levels. In a carryover from the Soviet system, both management and workers are considered members of the professional unions. It is not known to have been practiced.