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.
Unions maintain unrestricted contact with international bodies.
The law provides for and protects collective bargaining, which is conducted in periodic negotiations between centralized organizations of unions and employers. Enterprises having 15 or more employees must have worker representatives to conduct collective bargaining. Enterprises with over 150 employees must form joint works councils composed of equal numbers of management and employee representatives. In enterprises with more than 1,000 employees, one-third of the membership of the supervisory boards of directors must be employee representatives. The law provides for adjudication of employment-related complaints and authorizes labor tribunals to deal with them.