Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129) - France (Ratification: 1972)

The Committee recalls its previous comments concerning the memorandum communicated by the National Union of Labour Directors of the Ministry of Agriculture on the application of the Convention. It notes a subsequent observation dated 21 June 1990 by the union stating that the situation has worsened and that resources available for inspection in agriculture are quite inadequate. It has also noted the Government's response to the Committee's earlier comments.

Article 7 of the Convention. The Government has referred again to the administrative organisation of labour inspection in agriculture. While it agrees that the functioning might be improved, it does not consider further controls of inspectors' work possible.

Article 8. The Government refers to information provided earlier. It states that the independence and activities of the agricultural labour inspectorate are protected through the administrative arrangements in the Ministry of Agriculture. The Committee hopes the Government's future reports will include all available information in this respect.

Article 15. The Committee notes the Government's explanation of the division of responsibilities between the various inspection offices. It indicates that, although all the difficulties have not been resolved, progress has been made in ensuring a better allocation of resources. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will supply all available information as to the implementation of this Article, specifically concerning arrangements to furnish labour inspectors in agriculture with (a) properly located local offices and suitable means of communication, and (b) transport facilities necessary for the performance of their duties where suitable public facilities do not exist; and with respect to reimbursement of travelling and incidental expenses which may be necessary for the performance of their duties.

Article 20(c). The Committee notes the Government's reference to Circular DAS/7001 of 28 March 1985 concerning the confidentiality of correspondence within the labour inspectorate. The Committee asks the Government to include in future reports information on the practical application of these provisions, particularly as they relate to the sources of complaints brought to the attention of the service.