Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

North Macedonia

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) (Ratification: 1991)
Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129) (Ratification: 1991)

Previous comment

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on labour inspection, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 81 (labour inspection) and 129 (labour inspection in agriculture) together.

Article 3(1)(a) and (2) of Convention No. 81 and Article 6(1) and (3) of Convention No. 129. Labour inspection activities with regard to foreign workers and the protection of foreign workers in an irregular situation. With reference to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that, due to the lack of a developed analytical data center of the State Labour Inspectorate, it is unable to provide information on the violation of labour rights of foreign workers. It also notes that the Government does not provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the functions assigned to labour inspectors do not interfere with the primary functions of labour inspectors as defined in Article 3(1) of Convention No. 81 and Article 6(1) of Convention No. 129. The Committee urges the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the functions assigned to labour inspectors do not interfere with the main objective of labour inspectors, which is to ensure the protection of workers in accordance with Article 3(2) of Convention No. 81 and Article 6(3) of Convention No. 129. It also once again requests the Government to provide information on the action taken by the State Labour Inspectorate to ensure: (i) the enforcement of the rights of foreign workers found in an irregular situation, such as the payment of outstanding wages, annual leave and social security benefits; and (ii) improved data on the recovery of wage and social security credits specific to foreign workers without a residence permit.

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