The Constitution explicitly protects the right of workers to associate in trade unions, and Mauritius has an active trade union movement. Almost 300 unions represent over 100,000 workers, more than 20 percent of the total work force. Employers sometimes intimidated prospective union members. Labor unions are independent from the Government and in 1995 successfully appealed to the Government to withdraw proposed legislation which would have further curbed the ability of unions to strike. Unions can and do press wage demands, establish ties to domestic political parties, and address political issues.
Unions are free to establish federations.
Moreover, the IRA states that worker participation in an unlawful strike is sufficient grounds for dismissal. According to Ministry of Labor statistics, there were seven strikes. Under the law, unions may and do establish ties with international labor bodies. The law protects the right of employees to bargain collectively with their employers. Wages are set by the National Remuneration Board, whose chairman is appointed by the Minister of Labor.