Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Mauritania (Ratification: 1963)

Articles 3, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 16 of the Convention. Duties, status and conditions of service of labour inspectors. Financial and material resources at the disposal of the labour inspection services and number of inspectors for the effective discharge of inspection duties. Composition by gender. The Committee previously noted that Order No. 0743 of 23 August 2017 establishing the structure and territorial competences of regional labour inspectorates separates the structures dealing with the enforcement of legislation in the social field from those responsible for resolving labour disputes. It also noted that, according to an audit of labour administration and inspection needs carried out by the ILO in 2016 (the 2016 audit), there is a real pay gap between inspection personnel and certain other government inspection services. The Committee also noted the need to reinforce the material and human resources of the inspection services and requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the 2017 observations of the General Confederation of Workers of Mauritania (CGTM), it is necessary to ensure that the specific conditions of service of labour inspectors provide sufficient guarantees to prevent undue interference in the discharge of their duties. The Committee notes that, according to the information in the Government’s report, the number of inspectors and controllers solely responsible for the main duties is 40, composed of 23 inspectors and 17 controllers. The Government adds that 30 labour inspectors and 30 controllers are undergoing training at the National School of Administration, Journalism and Magistrates. The Government further indicates that the restructuring of regional labour inspection services has resulted in more labour inspectors and controllers having access to positions of responsibility, with the respective compensation, with a view to ensuring stability of employment. The Government is also envisaging the adoption of measures, if resources so permit, to reinforce the transport facilities necessary for the discharge of their duties, particularly for the regional labour inspection services furthest from urban centres, and to cover the maintenance and repair costs of existing vehicles so as to improve conditions. The Committee requests the Government to continue taking the necessary measures to guarantee labour inspectors and controllers conditions of service, including adequate remuneration, to ensure their employment stability and career prospects. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the number of labour inspectors and controllers and their composition by gender, as well as on the measures taken or envisaged for the reinforcement of the financial and material resources available to the labour inspection services, including personal protection equipment and transport facilities.

Articles 19, 20 and 21. Preparation, publication and communication to the ILO of an annual inspection report. The Committee previously noted the absence of an annual inspection report and the need to reinforce the capacities of the Ministry for the collection and compilation of statistical and administrative data. In response to this request, the Government reiterates that it will take the necessary measures in this regard. Noting the continued absence of an annual inspection report, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to develop a system for the collection and compilation of data so that local inspection offices can draw up periodic reports, which can then be used by the central inspection authority to draw up an annual report, in accordance with the Convention.

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