Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129) - Norway (Ratification: 1971)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s report replying to its previous comments.

1. Article 3, paragraph 1(b), of the Convention. Information and technical advice to employers and workers and their organizations. The Committee notes with interest that, owing to the influx of many migrant workers and seasonal labour in recent years, particularly in agriculture, the Labour Inspection Authority has launched a campaign to secure decent wages and conditions of work for migrant workers. In particular, the Committee notes with interest that, in the course of this campaign, information on the rights and duties of workers has been produced and translated into several languages.

2. Article 13. Effective collaboration between the labour inspectorate and the social partners. With reference to an observation by the Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) to the effect that no arrangement or provision has been made to promote collaboration between the staff of the inspectorate and the social partners in agricultural activities, the Government states that a tripartite body did exist, but was dissolved a few years ago. It nevertheless points out that the Norwegian Farmers’ Union is represented in the Advisory Body for the Labour Inspection Authority and that, as such, is part of the tripartite discussions on the overall strategy for the Labour Inspection Authority’s activities. The Government further indicates that, in the course of the abovementioned campaign, the most representative organizations of workers and employers in agriculture participated in outlining activities and guidelines for carrying out inspections within this target area.

3. Article 19. Notification of occupational accidents. The Committee notes with interest that, to remedy the under-reporting of occupational accidents, the Labour Inspection Authority is taking measures to ensure both a higher percentage of reports and better quality of the data provided. Development of the system aims at better harmonization with statistics presented at the European level. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on all progress made in this respect and also on the notification of cases of occupational disease in agricultural undertakings. The Committee again asks the Government to provide a copy of the document relating to the mandatory quality management system, including occupational health and safety aspects, established by the Norwegian Agriculture Cooperation and client companies of agricultural undertakings.

4. Articles 26 and 27. Communication of an annual inspection report. The Committee requests the Government to send the annual report of the Labour Inspection Authority, which was not attached to its report as announced.