The Government does not control or restrict unions. Over 90 percent of the work force is occupied in fishing or subsistence farming, but the small wage sector has a relatively strong and effective trade union movement. It has approximately 2,500 members, mostly from the public service sector. The law provides for the right to strike. However, strikes are rare, the last one having taken place in 1980.
Unions are free to affiliate internationally.
The KTUC is affiliated with the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively Collective bargaining is provided for under the Industrial Relations Code. The Government sets wages in the large public sector. However, in a few statutory bodies and government-owned companies, employees may negotiate wages and other conditions. In the private sector, individual employees also may negotiate wages with employers.