Minimum residency requirements are 6 years for voters and 12 years, including 6-months residence in the commune, for candidates to run for town council offices. Section 6 Worker Rights a. All workers have the right to associate freely and choose their representatives. About 65 percent of the labor force is unionized. Membership is not mandatory.
Unions operate free of governmental interference.
The two largest labor federations are linked to, but organized independently of, major political parties. The law prohibits discrimination against strike leaders, and a labor tribunal deals with complaints. The Constitution provides workers with the right to strike, except for government workers such as police, armed forces, and hospital personnel providing essential services. In 1998 there were two legal strikes. The CGFP was joined by employees of local authorities, the railway, and the post office for the 24-hour strike on July 21, during which public administration and services were brought to a standstill.