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Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Antigua and Barbuda (RATIFICATION: 1983)

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
Repetition
Articles 3(2), 10 and 16 of the Convention. Additional duties entrusted to labour inspectors. Number of labour inspectors and frequency of labour inspection visits. In its previous comments, the Committee noted a decrease in the number of labour inspections performed. It also noted that, according to the job description communicated by the Government, labour inspectors were assigned to carry out additional functions in the Labour Department, including those assigned by the Labour Commissioner or the Deputy Labour Commissioner. It requested information on any additional functions entrusted to labour inspectors.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in response to the Committee’s previous request that there are currently seven labour inspectors, including one supervisor, and that this is sufficient to secure the effective discharge of their duties. The Government states that only one inspector has been extensively trained on occupational safety and health (OSH). The Government also indicates that inspections are conducted through proportional probability sampling with all firms in all sectors. According to the Government, labour inspectors occasionally provide advice on labour relations issues, but significant issues in this domain are mostly referred to the functional areas of the Labour Department charged with such issues. The Government states that there are no other duties that interfere with the performance of primary duties of the inspectors. Taking note of the Government’s indication, the Committee recalls that, in accordance with Article 3(1)(b) of the Convention, any advice given to employers or workers should be focused on the most effective means of complying with the legal provisions. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which it ensures that workplaces are inspected as often and as thoroughly as is necessary to ensure the effective application of the relevant legal provisions, including further information on the methodology and criteria used for determining inspection priorities and specific information on OSH-related inspection strategies. It requests the Government to provide statistical information on labour inspection, including the number of visits undertaken and the outcome of these inspections. In addition, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the current standard job description for labour inspectors as well as the organizational chart of the Labour Department.
Article 5(a). Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other government services. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous request on cooperation with the Ministry of Health, that no measures have been taken to develop cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, but that it plans to take measures soon to establish a structure for cooperation between them. The Government indicates that there are cases in practice where the labour inspectorate refers relevant issues to the Ministry of Health for their action, such as when health risks are detected. However, it indicates that there is no further dialogue or collaborative training. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the cooperation developed between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, including the structure of cooperation established and the activities undertaken, as well as information on any cooperation with other government services engaged in similar activities.
Article 5(b). Collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request on the labour inspectorate and the National Labour Board, that all inspectorate issues are taken to the Board by the Labour Commissioner. It notes in this respect that the Labour Commissioner acts as executive secretary for the tripartite Board (pursuant to division B5(3) of the Labour Code). The Committee takes note of this information.
Articles 6 and 7. Status and conditions of service. Qualifications of labour inspectors. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there are two categories of labour inspectors: established inspectors whose remuneration is paid in accordance with the public service wage scales, and non-established inspectors. It noted the Government’s indication that the measures proposed in the context of a reform of the civil service included the recruitment of labour inspectors on the basis of their qualifications and competencies.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous request, that there is no new legislation governing the recruitment, status, conditions and service of labour inspectors and that the planned civil service reform was discontinued in 2014. The Government indicates that there is a proposed salary increment document under consideration for varying positions in the Labour Department, including labour inspectors. With respect to the Committee’s previous request concerning wage scales of labour inspectors, the Government indicates that public officers exercising similar functions, such as field auditors of the Inland Revenue Department, have substantially higher proposed annual salaries. The annual salaries range for labour inspectors is from $27,648 to $30,492 Eastern Caribbean dollars, while Inland Revenue field auditors annually earn salaries ranging from $40,536 to $44,772. The Government states that the rational for such a salary disparity is unclear but that there is no indication of a possible review in near future. In addition, the Government indicates that measures to provide training for labour inspectors will be put in place by the Labour Commissioner. The Committee requests the Government to indicate if there continue to be two categories of labour inspectors, and if so, to provide information on the recruitment (including required qualifications and competencies), status, and conditions of service of both established and non-established labour inspectors. Noting the Government’s indication that there is a substantial salary disparity between labour inspectors and other public officers with similar functions, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to review and upgrade status of labour inspectors. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the training provided to labour inspectors, including the subjects covered and the number of participants.
Articles 17 and 18. Legal proceedings and penalties. Noting an absence of information in reply to its previous request, the Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on the number of warnings issued by labour inspectors and the number of prosecutions initiated.
Articles 20 and 21. Publication and communication to the ILO of annual labour inspection reports. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) would facilitate the development of the annual labour inspection report process. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the LMIS is currently operational, but there are certain limitations. The Government indicates that an alternative mechanisms (DotStat) developed by CARICOM has been utilized to capture some data which cannot be accessed through the LMIS. The Committee once again requests the Government to ensure that annual labour inspection reports containing full information on the activities of the labour inspection services as required under Article 21(b)–(g), are published and transmitted to the ILO. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken in this respect, and, pending the publication of the annual report, to transmit available statistical information.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
Repetition
Articles 3(2), 10 and 16 of the Convention. Additional duties entrusted to labour inspectors. Number of labour inspectors and frequency of labour inspection visits. In its previous comments, the Committee noted a decrease in the number of labour inspections performed. It also noted that, according to the job description communicated by the Government, labour inspectors were assigned to carry out additional functions in the Labour Department, including those assigned by the Labour Commissioner or the Deputy Labour Commissioner. It requested information on any additional functions entrusted to labour inspectors.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in response to the Committee’s previous request that there are currently seven labour inspectors, including one supervisor, and that this is sufficient to secure the effective discharge of their duties. The Government states that only one inspector has been extensively trained on occupational safety and health (OSH). The Government also indicates that inspections are conducted through proportional probability sampling with all firms in all sectors. According to the Government, labour inspectors occasionally provide advice on labour relations issues, but significant issues in this domain are mostly referred to the functional areas of the Labour Department charged with such issues. The Government states that there are no other duties that interfere with the performance of primary duties of the inspectors. Taking note of the Government’s indication, the Committee recalls that, in accordance with Article 3(1)(b) of the Convention, any advice given to employers or workers should be focused on the most effective means of complying with the legal provisions.The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which it ensures that workplaces are inspected as often and as thoroughly as is necessary to ensure the effective application of the relevant legal provisions, including further information on the methodology and criteria used for determining inspection priorities and specific information on OSH-related inspection strategies. It requests the Government to provide statistical information on labour inspection, including the number of visits undertaken and the outcome of these inspections. In addition, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the current standard job description for labour inspectors as well as the organizational chart of the Labour Department.
Article 5(a). Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other government services. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous request on cooperation with the Ministry of Health, that no measures have been taken to develop cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, but that it plans to take measures soon to establish a structure for cooperation between them. The Government indicates that there are cases in practice where the labour inspectorate refers relevant issues to the Ministry of Health for their action, such as when health risks are detected. However, it indicates that there is no further dialogue or collaborative training.The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the cooperation developed between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, including the structure of cooperation established and the activities undertaken, as well as information on any cooperation with other government services engaged in similar activities.
Article 5(b). Collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request on the labour inspectorate and the National Labour Board, that all inspectorate issues are taken to the Board by the Labour Commissioner. It notes in this respect that the Labour Commissioner acts as executive secretary for the tripartite Board (pursuant to division B5(3) of the Labour Code). The Committee takes note of this information.
Articles 6 and 7. Status and conditions of service. Qualifications of labour inspectors. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there are two categories of labour inspectors: established inspectors whose remuneration is paid in accordance with the public service wage scales, and non-established inspectors. It noted the Government’s indication that the measures proposed in the context of a reform of the civil service included the recruitment of labour inspectors on the basis of their qualifications and competencies.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous request, that there is no new legislation governing the recruitment, status, conditions and service of labour inspectors and that the planned civil service reform was discontinued in 2014. The Government indicates that there is a proposed salary increment document under consideration for varying positions in the Labour Department, including labour inspectors. With respect to the Committee’s previous request concerning wage scales of labour inspectors, the Government indicates that public officers exercising similar functions, such as field auditors of the Inland Revenue Department, have substantially higher proposed annual salaries. The annual salaries range for labour inspectors is from $27,648 to $30,492 Eastern Caribbean dollars, while Inland Revenue field auditors annually earn salaries ranging from $40,536 to $44,772. The Government states that the rational for such a salary disparity is unclear but that there is no indication of a possible review in near future. In addition, the Government indicates that measures to provide training for labour inspectors will be put in place by the Labour Commissioner.The Committee requests the Government to indicate if there continue to be two categories of labour inspectors, and if so, to provide information on the recruitment (including required qualifications and competencies), status, and conditions of service of both established and non-established labour inspectors. Noting the Government’s indication that there is a substantial salary disparity between labour inspectors and other public officers with similar functions, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to review and upgrade status of labour inspectors. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the training provided to labour inspectors, including the subjects covered and the number of participants.
Articles 17 and 18. Legal proceedings and penalties. Noting an absence of information in reply to its previous request, the Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on the number of warnings issued by labour inspectors and the number of prosecutions initiated.
Articles 20 and 21. Publication and communication to the ILO of annual labour inspection reports. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) would facilitate the development of the annual labour inspection report process. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the LMIS is currently operational, but there are certain limitations. The Government indicates that an alternative mechanisms (DotStat) developed by CARICOM has been utilized to capture some data which cannot be accessed through the LMIS.The Committee once again requests the Government to ensure that annual labour inspection reports containing full information on the activities of the labour inspection services as required under Article 21(b)–(g), are published and transmitted to the ILO. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken in this respect, and, pending the publication of the annual report, to transmit available statistical information.

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Articles 3(2), 10 and 16 of the Convention. Additional duties entrusted to labour inspectors. Number of labour inspectors and frequency of labour inspection visits. In its previous comments, the Committee noted a decrease in the number of labour inspections performed. It also noted that, according to the job description communicated by the Government, labour inspectors were assigned to carry out additional functions in the Labour Department, including those assigned by the Labour Commissioner or the Deputy Labour Commissioner. It requested information on any additional functions entrusted to labour inspectors.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in response to the Committee’s previous request that there are currently seven labour inspectors, including one supervisor, and that this is sufficient to secure the effective discharge of their duties. The Government states that only one inspector has been extensively trained on occupational safety and health (OSH). The Government also indicates that inspections are conducted through proportional probability sampling with all firms in all sectors. According to the Government, labour inspectors occasionally provide advice on labour relations issues, but significant issues in this domain are mostly referred to the functional areas of the Labour Department charged with such issues. The Government states that there are no other duties that interfere with the performance of primary duties of the inspectors. Taking note of the Government’s indication, the Committee recalls that, in accordance with Article 3(1)(b) of the Convention, any advice given to employers or workers should be focused on the most effective means of complying with the legal provisions. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which it ensures that workplaces are inspected as often and as thoroughly as is necessary to ensure the effective application of the relevant legal provisions, including further information on the methodology and criteria used for determining inspection priorities and specific information on OSH-related inspection strategies. It requests the Government to provide statistical information on labour inspection, including the number of visits undertaken and the outcome of these inspections. In addition, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the current standard job description for labour inspectors as well as the organizational chart of the Labour Department.
Article 5(a). Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other government services. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous request on cooperation with the Ministry of Health, that no measures have been taken to develop cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, but that it plans to take measures soon to establish a structure for cooperation between them. The Government indicates that there are cases in practice where the labour inspectorate refers relevant issues to the Ministry of Health for their action, such as when health risks are detected. However, it indicates that there is no further dialogue or collaborative training. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the cooperation developed between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, including the structure of cooperation established and the activities undertaken, as well as information on any cooperation with other government services engaged in similar activities.
Article 5(b). Collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request on the labour inspectorate and the National Labour Board, that all inspectorate issues are taken to the Board by the Labour Commissioner. It notes in this respect that the Labour Commissioner acts as executive secretary for the tripartite Board (pursuant to division B5(3) of the Labour Code). The Committee takes note of this information.
Articles 6 and 7. Status and conditions of service. Qualifications of labour inspectors. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there are two categories of labour inspectors: established inspectors whose remuneration is paid in accordance with the public service wage scales, and non-established inspectors. It noted the Government’s indication that the measures proposed in the context of a reform of the civil service included the recruitment of labour inspectors on the basis of their qualifications and competencies.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous request, that there is no new legislation governing the recruitment, status, conditions and service of labour inspectors and that the planned civil service reform was discontinued in 2014. The Government indicates that there is a proposed salary increment document under consideration for varying positions in the Labour Department, including labour inspectors. With respect to the Committee’s previous request concerning wage scales of labour inspectors, the Government indicates that public officers exercising similar functions, such as field auditors of the Inland Revenue Department, have substantially higher proposed annual salaries. The annual salaries range for labour inspectors is from $27,648 to $30,492 Eastern Caribbean dollars, while Inland Revenue field auditors annually earn salaries ranging from $40,536 to $44,772. The Government states that the rational for such a salary disparity is unclear but that there is no indication of a possible review in near future. In addition, the Government indicates that measures to provide training for labour inspectors will be put in place by the Labour Commissioner. The Committee requests the Government to indicate if there continue to be two categories of labour inspectors, and if so, to provide information on the recruitment (including required qualifications and competencies), status, and conditions of service of both established and non-established labour inspectors. Noting the Government’s indication that there is a substantial salary disparity between labour inspectors and other public officers with similar functions, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to review and upgrade status of labour inspectors. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the training provided to labour inspectors, including the subjects covered and the number of participants.
Articles 17 and 18. Legal proceedings and penalties. Noting an absence of information in reply to its previous request, the Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on the number of warnings issued by labour inspectors and the number of prosecutions initiated.
Articles 20 and 21. Publication and communication to the ILO of annual labour inspection reports. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) would facilitate the development of the annual labour inspection report process. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the LMIS is currently operational, but there are certain limitations. The Government indicates that an alternative mechanisms (DotStat) developed by CARICOM has been utilized to capture some data which cannot be accessed through the LMIS. The Committee once again requests the Government to ensure that annual labour inspection reports containing full information on the activities of the labour inspection services as required under Article 21(b)–(g), are published and transmitted to the ILO. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken in this respect, and, pending the publication of the annual report, to transmit available statistical information.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2016.
Repetition
Articles 6 and 7 of the Convention. Status and conditions of service and qualifications of labour inspectors. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the labour inspectorate comprised “non-established” and “established” labour inspectors who were remunerated according to the wage scales in their respective departments. Moreover, according to the Government, there were no requirements as to the qualification and competencies required, notably as far as “non established” labour inspectors were concerned. In this context, the Committee noted the information provided by the Government on a number of proposed activities in the context of a reform of the civil service, including: (i) the establishment of a single system for the recruitment of administrative staff to the civil service; (ii) the recruitment of labour inspectors on the basis of their qualifications and competencies; (iii) the conduct of an audit to identify discrepancies in the amount of wages paid to administrative staff; and (iv) the revision and updating of job descriptions for all civil service positions. Further to its request for information in this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that no changes have occurred in the context of the proposed civil service reform since the submission of its last report. The Government also indicates that labour inspectors did not receive any training in 2014. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the current legislative texts governing the recruitment, status, conditions and service of labour inspectors, including information on their current wage scales compared to public officers exercising similar functions, such as tax inspectors. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress made with the proposed measures in the context of the abovementioned civil service reform, and the impact of these measures on the conditions and service of labour inspectors. The Committee further requests that the Government provide information on measures taken to provide training to labour inspectors.
Articles 17, 18, 20 and 21. Annual labour inspection reports and the availability of labour inspection statistics, including the number of warnings issued and penalty procedures initiated. The Committee notes that no annual report on the activities of the labour inspection services was received, and that no labour inspection statistics were provided with the Government’s report. In this regard, the Committee recalls that it previously requested that the Government provide statistical information on the number of warnings issued and the number of penalty procedures initiated in relation to the violations detected. In this context, the Committee also recalls that it previously noted with interest the implementation of a Labour Market Information System, which according to the Government, would facilitate the timely establishment of annual labour inspection reports. The Committee requests that the Government take measures to ensure that annual labour inspection reports are regularly published and communicated to the ILO (Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention), and to provide information on the measures taken to this effect (including the progress made with the implementation of the abovementioned Labour Market Information System). It requests that the Government in any event provide statistical information that is as detailed as possible on the activities of the labour inspection services (industrial and commercial places liable to inspection, number of inspections, infringements detected and the legal provisions to which they relate, warnings issued, penalty procedures initiated and penalties applied, number of occupational accidents and diseases, etc.).

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2016.
Repetition
Articles 3(2), 10 and 16 of the Convention. Functions and number of labour inspectors and frequency of inspection visits. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that according to a 2009 job description communicated by the Government, labour inspectors were obliged to carry out other functions in the Labour Department, in addition to their primary duties, as well as the functions assigned to them by their immediate supervisor, the Labour Commissioner or the Deputy Labour Commissioner. It also noted that from 1997 to 2010, there had been a high fluctuation in the number of labour inspections, with a decrease in the number of labour inspections from 2009 to 2010 of almost half (that is, from 248 to 128). The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its present report that the 2009 job description of labour inspectors remains valid and that unforeseen challenges had been the cause of the fluctuations and reductions in the number of labour inspections. The Committee requests that the Government provide detailed information on the current number of labour inspectors (including the number of labour inspectors specializing in occupational safety and health (OSH)), and an indication as to whether this number is sufficient to secure the effective discharge of the duties of the inspectorate. The Committee also requests that the Government provide information on whether any additional functions are entrusted to labour inspectors (such as the mediation and conciliation of labour disputes), as well as information on the measures taken to ensure that any further duties do not interfere with the effective discharge of the primary duties of labour inspectors.
Article 5(a) and (b). Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other government services or public institutions and collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee again notes with regret that the Government has once again not provided the requested information on the content and modalities of any existing cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health (or information on any difficulties preventing such cooperation in practice). The Committee further notes that the Government has once again not provided the requested information on the details of collaboration between the labour inspectorate and the social partners. The Committee therefore once again requests that the Government provide detailed information on the measures taken to develop cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health (such as on regular exchange of information and data, common training seminars or conferences). It also once again requests that the Government provide details on the content and modalities of any existing cooperation (such as the organization of conferences or joint committees, or similar bodies, to discuss questions concerning the enforcement of labour legislation and the health and safety of workers, and whether the labour inspectorate is represented on the National Labour Board).
The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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Articles 6 and 7 of the Convention. Status and conditions of service and qualifications of labour inspectors. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the labour inspectorate comprised “non-established” and “established” labour inspectors who were remunerated according to the wage scales in their respective departments. Moreover, according to the Government, there were no requirements as to the qualification and competencies required, notably as far as “non established” labour inspectors were concerned. In this context, the Committee noted the information provided by the Government on a number of proposed activities in the context of a reform of the civil service, including: (i) the establishment of a single system for the recruitment of administrative staff to the civil service; (ii) the recruitment of labour inspectors on the basis of their qualifications and competencies; (iii) the conduct of an audit to identify discrepancies in the amount of wages paid to administrative staff; and (iv) the revision and updating of job descriptions for all civil service positions. Further to its request for information in this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that no changes have occurred in the context of the proposed civil service reform since the submission of its last report. The Government also indicates that labour inspectors did not receive any training in 2014. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the current legislative texts governing the recruitment, status, conditions and service of labour inspectors, including information on their current wage scales compared to public officers exercising similar functions, such as tax inspectors. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress made with the proposed measures in the context of the abovementioned civil service reform, and the impact of these measures on the conditions and service of labour inspectors. The Committee further requests that the Government provide information on measures taken to provide training to labour inspectors.
Articles 17, 18, 20 and 21. Annual labour inspection reports and the availability of labour inspection statistics, including the number of warnings issued and penalty procedures initiated. The Committee notes that no annual report on the activities of the labour inspection services was received, and that no labour inspection statistics were provided with the Government’s report. In this regard, the Committee recalls that it previously requested that the Government provide statistical information on the number of warnings issued and the number of penalty procedures initiated in relation to the violations detected. In this context, the Committee also recalls that it previously noted with interest the implementation of a Labour Market Information System, which according to the Government, would facilitate the timely establishment of annual labour inspection reports. The Committee requests that the Government take measures to ensure that annual labour inspection reports are regularly published and communicated to the ILO (Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention), and to provide information on the measures taken to this effect (including the progress made with the implementation of the abovementioned Labour Market Information System). It requests that the Government in any event provide statistical information that is as detailed as possible on the activities of the labour inspection services (industrial and commercial places liable to inspection, number of inspections, infringements detected and the legal provisions to which they relate, warnings issued, penalty procedures initiated and penalties applied, number of occupational accidents and diseases, etc.).

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Articles 3(2), 10 and 16 of the Convention. Functions and number of labour inspectors and frequency of inspection visits. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that according to a 2009 job description communicated by the Government, labour inspectors were obliged to carry out other functions in the Labour Department, in addition to their primary duties, as well as the functions assigned to them by their immediate supervisor, the Labour Commissioner or the Deputy Labour Commissioner. It also noted that from 1997 to 2010, there had been a high fluctuation in the number of labour inspections, with a decrease in the number of labour inspections from 2009 to 2010 of almost half (that is, from 248 to 128). The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its present report that the 2009 job description of labour inspectors remains valid and that unforeseen challenges had been the cause of the fluctuations and reductions in the number of labour inspections. The Committee requests that the Government provide detailed information on the current number of labour inspectors (including the number of labour inspectors specializing in occupational safety and health (OSH)), and an indication as to whether this number is sufficient to secure the effective discharge of the duties of the inspectorate. The Committee also requests that the Government provide information on whether any additional functions are entrusted to labour inspectors (such as the mediation and conciliation of labour disputes), as well as information on the measures taken to ensure that any further duties do not interfere with the effective discharge of the primary duties of labour inspectors.
Article 5(a) and (b). Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other government services or public institutions and collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee again notes with regret that the Government has once again not provided the requested information on the content and modalities of any existing cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health (or information on any difficulties preventing such cooperation in practice). The Committee further notes that the Government has once again not provided the requested information on the details of collaboration between the labour inspectorate and the social partners. The Committee therefore once again requests that the Government provide detailed information on the measures taken to develop cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health (such as on regular exchange of information and data, common training seminars or conferences). It also once again requests that the Government provide details on the content and modalities of any existing cooperation (such as the organization of conferences or joint committees, or similar bodies, to discuss questions concerning the enforcement of labour legislation and the health and safety of workers, and whether the labour inspectorate is represented on the National Labour Board).
The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Articles 3(2) and 16 of the Convention. Functions of the labour inspectors and frequency of inspection visits. The Committee recalls that, according to the job description that had been provided by the Government in 2008, it would have been possible to entrust labour inspectors with duties which might not be part of the primary functions set out in Article 3(1)(a)–(c). It moreover recalls that, from 1997 to 2009, there was a high fluctuation in the number of labour inspections conducted (1997: 362; 1998: 75; 1999: 332; 2000: 75; 2001: 127; 2002: 81; 2003: 53). Consequently, the Committee asked the Government to provide information in relation to additional functions that might be entrusted to them, and on statistics on labour inspection visits. In its report, the Government refers to the functions of the Inspection Unit as provided by Labour Code Act No. 14 of 1975, and which are in conformity with the Convention, and indicates the number of inspections conducted in 2009 (248) and 2010 (128). In this context, the Committee also takes note of the information provided in a communication addressed to the Labour Commissioner’s Office of 9 July 2012, which had been shared with the ILO, to the effect that job descriptions for all public service positions were being updated within the Public Sector Transformation Strategy.
The Committee would be grateful if the Government could provide the Office with an updated job description for labour inspectors, once completed. It also invites the Government to revisit the job description for labour inspectors within this Transformation Strategy, with regard to the comments which were already brought forward by the Committee.
It also asks the Government to explain the continuing high fluctuation in inspection numbers, with inspection visits having almost halved in 2010 compared to 2009.
Article 5. Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other Government services or public institutions and collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes with regret that, despite long-standing comments, and previous commitments expressed by the Government, the Government is silent on the subject of collaboration with the Ministry of Health in particular, as it only refers to the comments made in its previous report. The Committee is therefore bound to again repeat its request for detailed information on the difficulties which prevent the adoption of practical measures to develop cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health (such as on regular exchange of information and data, common training seminars or conferences), and asks the Government again to provide details on the content and modalities of any existing cooperation.
It reminds the Government that it may avail itself of ILO assistance in this area if it so wishes.
As far as collaboration with the social partners is concerned, the Government repeats information previously brought forward indicating that collaboration exists between the labour inspectors and social partners, and that all violations are reported to the labour inspection units and followed up accordingly. Noting the limited amount of information provided on this matter, the Committee is bound to repeat its previous request, encouraging the Government to seek for collaboration between the labour inspectorate and social partners, and to keep the ILO informed of the results achieved. Moreover, it requests the Government again to indicate whether the labour inspectorate is associated in the work of the National Labour Board.
Articles 6, 7 and 10. Number, status and qualifications of labour inspectors. The Committee recalls that the labour inspectorate comprises “non-established” and “established” labour inspectors, with all of them performing labour inspection functions, but with only one person being specialized in occupational safety and health. It also observed that labour inspectors were remunerated according to the scale of the department in which they were placed and that there were no requirements as to the qualification and the level of competence required, notably as far as “non-established” labour inspectors were concerned. Consequently, recalling the obligations set out in Articles 6, 7 and 10, the Committee requested the Government to take measures to staff the labour inspectorate with a sufficient number of labour inspectors, who are suitably qualified, to ensure a status which grants them stability of employment and adequate wages, and to specify the remuneration scale applicable to labour inspectors.
In this context, the Committee notes the Government’s reply indicating that it is in the process of merging the two existing systems in the public service, and that it is envisaged to recruit labour inspectors on the basis of the qualifications and level of competence required for such positions. It also notes from the communication from the Director of Public Sector Transformation of 9 July 2012, addressed to the Labour Commissioner’s Office, that it is intended, within the public sector reform that was approved by the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda in 2010, to complete a payroll audit in order to identify discrepancies between staffing levels and monies paid out in salaries, and to update job descriptions. Moreover, the Committee notes from this communication that the Civil Service Act had been redrafted and is currently being prepared by the Parliamentary Counsel for presentation to the September sitting of the Parliament.
The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the civil service reform. It asks the Government to keep the Office informed of any progress made in this regard, and to elaborate in particular the way in which the points raised by the Committee are being addressed by the civil service law reform.
It asks the Government to submit the amended civil service legislation, once adopted by the Parliament, and information on the possible new salary scales applicable to labour inspectors by comparison to the remuneration of public officers with similar functions such as tax inspectors.
Noting that the Government has not replied to its previous comments, the Committee once again requests it to provide details on the training programmes provided to labour inspectors (subjects, duration, attendance, evaluation and impact) and to communicate copies of any relevant documents.
Articles 17–21. Number of penalties imposed and warnings issued. Submission of a consolidated annual inspection report. The Committee observes that the Government abstains from providing information on the number of warnings issued and prosecutions launched as previously requested. It recalls that, in accordance with Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention, the central authority should publish an annual general report on the work of the inspection services containing information and statistics on the subjects enumerated in Article 21(a)–(g), including on penalties imposed. With reference to its general observation of 2010 the Committee recalls that when well prepared, the annual reports offer an indispensable basis for the evaluation of the results in practice of the activities of the labour inspection service and, subsequently, the determination of the means necessary to improve their effectiveness. In this regard it notes with interest that the Government, with the help of the Office, is in the process of implementing a Labour Market Information System to ensure that data are available for annual reports to be completed within the prescribed deadlines (Article 20).
The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any progress made in this regard. It moreover asks the Government once again to provide detailed information on the number of warnings issued by labour inspectors and the number of prosecutions initiated, as well as on their outcome in practice.

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Articles 3(2) and 16 of the Convention. Additional functions entrusted to labour inspectors and frequency of inspection visits. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that labour inspectors only carry out labour inspection functions. The Committee recalls however, that according to the job description communicated by the Government, labour inspectors may be required from time to time to function in other areas of the Labour Department and may be assigned other duties by their immediate supervisor, the Labour Commissioner or the Deputy Labour Commissioner. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the numbers and frequency of inspections in industrial and commercial workplaces achieved as a result of the main focus of labour inspectors on the effective discharge of their primary functions and to give details as to additional functions that may be entrusted to them.

Article 5. Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other Government services or public institutions and collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that according to the Government there has been no change on the question of promoting cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health despite the Committee’s longstanding comments on this question and a previous commitment to this effect by the Government. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information on the difficulties which prevent the adoption of practical measures to develop cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health (for instance, the regular exchange of information and data, common training seminars or conferences, etc.). It also asks the Government once again to provide details on the content and modalities of any existing cooperation.

Furthermore, the Committee notes that according to the Government, there has been no change on the issue of collaboration with trade unions. Recalling once again that the existing collaboration is very limited, merely consisting of the trade unions informing the Labour Department of violations of legal provisions in workplaces, the Committee refers the Government once again to Part II of the Labour Inspection Recommendation, 1947 (No. 81), on examples of measures that might be taken to encourage collaboration between labour inspectors and both workers and employers, such as the organization of conferences or joint committees, or similar bodies to provide a space for discussions on safety and health issues. The Committee once again urges the Government to take measures to encourage collaboration between the labour inspectorate and the social partners, and to keep the ILO informed of the results achieved. With regard to occupational safety and health in particular, noting that the tripartite National Labour Board is responsible for the revision of the Labour Code which relates to safety and health issues in the private sector, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the labour inspectorate is associated in the work of this Board in any way.

Articles 6, 7 and 10. Number, status and qualifications of labour inspectors. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report the inspectorate is comprised of nine “non-established” labour inspectors and one “established” civil servant (or two such civil servants according to the annual labour inspection report). All labour inspectors conduct general inspections with reference to Article 3(1) of the Convention. Only one labour inspector specializes in the area of occupational safety and health. There is no requirement as to the qualifications and level of competence required of the other labour inspectors who are not labour inspectors in the strict sense of the word. Labour inspectors are remunerated according to the scale of the department in which they are placed. They received training during the reporting period in various areas including modern inspection techniques, basic inspections, the Labour Code, ILO Conventions and occupational hygiene.

The Committee recalls that according to Article 10, the number of labour inspectors should be sufficient to secure the effective discharge of their duties. Moreover, under Article 6, the inspection staff should be composed of public officials whose status and conditions of service are such that they are assured of stability of employment and are independent of changes of government and improper external influences. Finally, under Article 7, labour inspectors should be recruited with sole regard to their qualifications and should be adequately trained for the performance of their duties.

The Committee requests the Government to indicate the steps taken or envisaged to ensure that:

–      the labour inspectorate is staffed with adequate numbers of labour inspectors, especially in the area of occupational safety and health;

–      all labour inspectors are recruited with sole regard to their qualifications;

–      all labour inspectors are assured of the status, notably stability of employment and adequate wages, which is necessary to ensure their independence vis-à-vis changes of government and improper external influences. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to specify the scale of remuneration of labour inspectors by comparison to the remuneration of comparable categories of public officers like tax inspectors.

Moreover, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide details on the training programmes provided to labour inspectors, in particular the subjects, duration, attendance, evaluation and impact and to communicate copies of any relevant documents.

Articles 17 and 18. Necessary balance between warnings and the prosecution of employers in violation. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that labour inspectors are free to decide whether to prosecute those found in breach of the law. The Committee recalls once again that while advice and information can only encourage and lead to compliance with legal provisions, it should nonetheless be accompanied by an enforcement mechanism allowing for prosecution where needed. The functions of enforcement and advice are inseparable in practice and the credibility of the labour inspectorate depends to a large extent on the existence and implementation of a sufficiently dissuasive enforcement mechanism (see 2006 General Survey on labour inspection paragraphs 279 and 280). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the number of warnings issued by labour inspectors and the number of prosecutions initiated, as well as their outcome in practice.

Articles 19, 20 and 21. Annual report on labour inspection activities. The Committee notes with interest that for the first time since 1995, an annual labour inspection report on the year 2009 was communicated to the ILO. The Committee invites the Government to take all the necessary measures so as to ensure that the annual report is published as required by Article 20, and draws attention to Part IV of Recommendation No. 81 which provides guidance on how the information and statistics requested under Article 21 can be disaggregated to give a reliable basis for the assessment of the work of the labour inspection system.

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Referring to its observation, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the following points.

Article 10 of the Convention. Number and categories of labour inspectors. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report, the Labour Department has ten inspectors, while the statistics attached to its report indicate a that there are 11 labour inspectors. It further notes that under section 12 of the Social Security Act (CAP. 408) special inspectors may be designated to ensure the application of the provisions of the said Act. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide detailed information on the composition of the labour inspection staff entrusted with the three primary duties listed in Article 3(1) of the Convention, as well as their respective areas of competence.

Articles 3, paragraph 2, and 16. Additional functions entrusted to labour inspectors and frequency of inspection visits. According to the job description communicated by the Government, the Committee notes that in addition to their primary functions, such as inspection visits, the enforcement of legal provisions and the provision of advice on labour conditions, labour inspectors are obliged to carry out other functions in the Labour Department, as well as the functions assigned to them by their immediate supervisor, the Labour Commissioner or the Deputy Labour Commissioner. The Committee is of the view that the heavy workload deriving from such additional duties entrusted to labour inspectors is liable to prevent them from performing labour inspection duties, which seems to be demonstrated by the significant decrease in the number of inspections over the last decade in industrial and commercial workplaces. Referring to Article 3(2) of the Convention, according to which any further duties which may be entrusted to labour inspectors shall not be such as to interfere with the effective discharge of their primary duties, the Committee asks the Government to take measures aimed at ensuring that full effect is given to this provision and to keep the ILO informed of such measures and of the results achieved in terms of numbers and frequency of inspections in industrial and commercial workplaces.

Article 6. Status and conditions of labour inspectors. The Committee notes from the information contained in the statistics on labour inspection activities in 2008, that only two of the 11 inspectors mentioned are public officials. The Committee wishes to remind the Government that under Article 6 of the Convention, labour inspection staff must be composed of public officials whose status and conditions of service are such that they are assured of stability of employment and are independent of changes of government and of improper external influences. The Committee therefore asks the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that full effect is given to the above provision and to provide information on the conditions of service of the labour inspection staff (especially as regards remuneration and career prospects) and to communicate any relevant documentation.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Training of labour inspection staff. The Committee notes that inspectors received training in the area of occupational health and safety in January 2008 and April 2009. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information (specific topics dealt with, duration of training, number and categories of participants), to indicate any steps taken to ensure the continuous training of labour inspectors to adapt their skills to the changing work environment and to communicate copies of any relevant documents.

Articles 17 and 18. Necessary balance between warnings and the prosecution of employers in violation. The Committee notes that according to the statistics of infringements and prosecutions for 2008, the policy of the Labour Department is to use advice and persuasion rather than prosecution for minor breaches of regulations. It would like to draw the Government’s attention in this regard to paragraphs 279 and 280 of its General Survey of 2006 on labour inspection, in which it explains that while advice and information can only encourage compliance with legal provisions, they should nonetheless be accompanied by an enforcement mechanism enabling those guilty of violations to be prosecuted. The Committee further states that the credibility of any inspectorate depends to a large extent on its ability to advise employers and workers on the most effective means of complying with legal provisions, but that it also depends on the existence and implementation of a sufficiently dissuasive enforcement mechanism and it emphasizes that, for the labour inspectorate, the functions of enforcement and advice are inseparable in practice. The Government is therefore asked to ensure, in accordance with these provisions of the Convention, that labour inspectors are free to decide, even in the case of minor infringements, whether they should issue warnings or initiate the prosecution of those in breach of legal provisions relating to conditions of work, taking into account criteria such as the usual conduct of the employer, the length of time that the enterprise has been operating and the goodwill shown.

Articles 19, 20 and 21. Annual report on labour inspection activities. The Committee notes that no annual labour inspection report has been sent to the ILO since the report for 1995. While noting with interest the statistical information on labour inspection activities, the Committee would like to recall once again that an annual report has to be published and communicated to the ILO, in accordance with Article 20 of the Convention, and that Part IV of Recommendation No. 81 provides guidance on how the information and statistics requested under Article 21 can be disaggregated to give a reliable basis for the assessment of the work of the labour inspection system. The periodic reports provided for by Article 19 have to be drawn up in accordance with standardized instructions from the central inspection authority in order to facilitate the drawing up of annual reports. Noting the Government’s commitment to do its utmost to ensure that an annual report is published in the near future, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to take the necessary steps to this effect and to ensure the communication of such a report to the ILO as soon as practicable.

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Article 5 of the Convention.  Cooperation between the labour inspection services and other Government services or public institutions and collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that no progress has been made since 1997 in promoting cooperation between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Health despite the Government’s commitment to this end. The Committee is therefore once again bound to request the Government to supply detailed information on the practical measures taken or envisaged to establish and develop this cooperation (for instance, through the regular exchange of information and data, common training seminars or conferences, etc.) and on the results achieved or any difficulties encountered. It also asks the Government to provide the information requested previously on the contents and modalities of the cooperation in question.

The Committee notes that the collaboration with trade unions, announced by the Government in its 2006 and 2008 reports, is very limited, merely consisting of the trade unions informing the Labour Department of violations of legal provisions in workplaces. The Committee therefore wishes to refer the Government once again to Part II of the Labour Inspection Recommendation, 1947 (No. 81), on examples of measures that might be taken to encourage collaboration between labour inspectors and both workers and employers, such as the organization of conferences or joint committees, or similar bodies to provide a space for discussions on safety and health issues. The Committee requests the Government to inform the ILO of the measures taken to encourage collaboration between the labour inspectorate and the social partners, and the results achieved in the areas covered.

In addition, noting the information communicated by the Government on the application of Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), on the existence of a Labour Advisory Board with a tripartite structure, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the matters discussed within this body and to provide the ILO with copies of relevant documents.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Article 5 of the Convention. Cooperation between the labour inspection and other government services or public institutions and collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments on this point. The Government continues to mention efforts to establish collaboration between the inspection units and the Ministry of Health, without providing any information on the contents, the modalities and the results of such cooperation. The Committee is therefore bound, once again, to request the Government to supply detailed information on practical measures taken or contemplated to establish and develop this cooperation (for instance, through regular exchange of information and data, common training seminars or conferences, etc.).

The Government also reiterates, without giving further details, that the Labour Department collaborates with the trade unions. The Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to Part II of the Labour Inspection Recommendation, 1947 (No. 81), which provides useful guidelines on the nature and type of measures that might be taken to encourage collaboration between labour inspectors and both workers and employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report specific examples of areas and forms of collaboration between labour inspection officials and the social partners and information on the impact of such collaboration on the improvement of conditions of work and protection of workers.

Articles 10 and 7, paragraph 3. Recruitment and training of new labour inspection staff. The Committee notes with interest that, according to the Government’s brief report, officers are being recruited and trained on labour inspection issues. It requests the Government to supply information on the number of officers recruited, and to describe the duties they have been assigned to, as well as their inspection activities in practice. The Government is further requested to describe the training they have received.

Articles 20 and 21. Annual report on the work of the labour inspection services. The Committee notes that the most recent inspection report transmitted to the ILO relates to the years 1994 and 1995. Drawing the Government’s attention to the importance for the central authority to prepare and publish an annual report to assess the functioning of the labour inspection system, the Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to send such an annual report, containing the information on all the subjects listed in Article 21.

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The Committee notes the Government’s brief report in reply to its previous comments. It would be grateful if the Government could provide details on the contents, modalities and results of the collaboration launched between the inspection units and the Ministry of Health, on the one hand, and the unions on the other hand (Article 5(a) and (b)) and make sure that the annual inspection report is published and sent to the ILO on a regular basis (Articles 20 and 21).

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received and that no new information on the application of the Convention has been received since 1996. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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The Committee once again notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore reiterate its direct request as concerns the following points:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the points raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows.

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention.  The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21.  The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government that no arrangements have been made to promote effective cooperation between inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions engaged in similar activities, and collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee hopes that the appropriate measures will be adopted for such cooperation and that the Government will report on any steps taken to this effect.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has taken note of the labour inspection report for 1994 and 1995. It notes with interest that the report now contains statistics on industrial accidents. Referring also to its 1996 general observation under the Convention relating to the practical guidelines for the collection, recording and communication of reliable data on occupational accidents and diseases contained in the 1996 ILO publication Recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, the Committee hopes that future annual labour inspection reports will also contain statistics on occupational diseases.

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Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information that the annual report of the Labour Department will address the Committee's concerns and that the 1993 report will be made available soon. The Committee notes however that such annual report was not received. It wishes to reiterate its previous comments that these reports be published within the time-limits laid down in Article 20, and that they contain all the particulars listed in Article 21 (a) to (g). The Committee again draws the attention of the Government to the explanations contained in paragraphs 277 to 281 of its 1985 General Survey on labour inspection with respect to the form, manner of publication and content of these reports. The Government might wish to seek the technical assistance of the Office in addressing these points.

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Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the annual reports on the activities of the inspection services up to 1992. Please indicate whether these are published as required by Article 20. Please also indicate any steps taken to ensure they contain information on the laws and regulations relevant to the work of the inspection service, the staff of the labour inspection service, statistics of workplaces liable to inspection and the number of workers employed therein, and statistics of industrial accidents and occupational diseases (Article 21(a),(b),(c),(f) and (g)). The Committee wishes to draw the Government's attention to paragraphs 277-280 of its General Survey on Labour Inspection of 1985 in this respect and expresses the hope that future reports will be in conformity with the requirements of the Convention.

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Article 20 and 21, of the Convention. The Committee notes that the annual reports of the Labour Department for 1986-1988 have not been received. It trusts that, in future, reports containing information on all the points set out in Article 21 will be published and communicated to the ILO within the time-limits set forth in Article 20.

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