Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129) - Portugal (Ratification: 1983)

Referring also to its observation on the Convention, the Committee notes the replies provided by the Government, and requests it to supply additional information on the following points.

Application of the Convention to the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores. The Committee requests the Government to give precise information on whether the annual inspection report covers the two autonomous regions. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, if the case arises, sufficiently distinct information on these two regions.

Prevention of risks linked to the use of dangerous substances. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied on the campaign to prevent occupational risks in agricultural undertakings which are most exposed, and its dissemination series provided to interested workers on the use of agricultural pesticides, and machines which culminated in the conclusion of a training agreement for labour inspectors, by Santarem Higher School on Agriculture. It further notes that subsequent measures shall be taken within the framework of the European occupational health and safety campaign in the sector of agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to supply as detailed information as possible on the substance of the training provided to labour inspectors during the prevention campaign which ended in 1998, as well as information on the numbers of inspectors, form and level of involvement in the abovementioned European campaign.

Means of transport of labour inspectors and reimbursement of travelling expenses (Article 15, paragraphs 1(b) and 2, of the Convention). With reference to its previous request in this regard, the Committee takes note of the information supplied, and especially the table on the geographical distribution of transport vehicles among the various services of labour inspection. Noting the indication of an existing law which authorizes labour inspectors in agriculture to use their own vehicles for professional missions, and their reimbursement for the expenses incurred, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would transmit a copy of this law.

Women inspectors in agriculture. Noting the information supplied by the Government on the size of the labour inspectorate, as well as its distribution according to sex, the Committee would be grateful if it would indicate in its next report, as specified in Article 10, the special tasks entrusted to women inspectors especially in relation to Article 6, paragraph 2, on the advisory or enforcement functions relating to conditions of life of workers and their families.