Labour inspection and Fundamental rights at work

Sound legal systems play a crucial role in the protection of fundamental principles and rights at work, but they need to be complemented by appropriate enforcement mechanisms to make these rights effective. As the public body legally entrusted to enforce national labour laws, the labour in¬spection system is responsible for taking action when illegal child labour practices, forced labour, discrimination practices or violation of the freedom of association are found. Such action traditionally includes the follow¬ing measures: imposing sanctions, obtaining remedies, and/or pursuing administrative, civil and criminal prosecution against persons or enterprises that have violated the law.

Ensuring appropriate conditions and protec¬tion of these fundamental principles and rights at work leads labour inspectorates to take steps beyond reactive enforcement, and to include proactive measures to encourage compliance.