Freedom of assembly is also respected. Although public assembly requires a government permit, none is known to have been denied for political reasons. The law recognizes the right of workers to form and join unions and to strike. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of the population are employed in the wage economy, and about 60 to 70 percent of those are organized in trade unions. Disputes are usually referred to the independent Trade Disputes Panel for arbitration.
Unions frequently exercise their right to bargain collectively.
In July 1998, the Public Employees Union initiated a strike following the government s refusal to negotiate plans for downsizing the country s large public sector. The judiciary is independent, and procedural safeguards are adequate, with a right of ultimate appeal in certain circumstances to the Privy Council in London. The constitution provides for an ombudsman s office to investigate claims of unfair treatment by the authorities, but its effectiveness is limited in practice by a lack of resources. There have been occasional reports of police abusing suspects. Citizens are free to travel domestically and overseas.