Chad - Labor

Over 80% of all Chadian workers are involved in subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, or fishing. In 1998, the economically active population was estimated at about four million. The National Charter specifically addressed the right of labor to organize, and workers are free to form and join unions of their choosing. Chadian law, however, does not specifically protect collective bargaining, nor is there a ban against antiunion discrimination. The minimum wage of $35 per month in 2002 was insufficient to support a worker and family. Children are not legally permitted to work until they reach 14 years of age and they rarely do so except in agriculture and herding Occupational safety and health standards are insufficiently enforced.