Section 6 Worker Rights a. The Constitution specifies the right of workers to form or belong to trade unions under the broader rubric of the right of association. Unions are independent of government, and are free to choose their own representatives in often vigorously contested elections. However, there have been recent, unsubstantiated reports of government obstruction of attempts to have union views publicized. There are no restrictions on the formation of national labor federations.
Unions are free to affiliate with international organizations, and some have done so.
Strikes in both the public and private sectors are legal, but there are many avenues through collective bargaining agreement and government procedures which may preclude a strike. The law prohibits the police and fire departments from striking. Banana farmers conducted a 12-day strike in October to protest a government charge for cartons. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively Unions have the legal right to engage in collective bargaining, and they fully exercise this right. Union representatives have reported attempts by Government and other employers to undermine this process.