Republic of Moldova enhances labour inspection capacity with ILO support

CHIȘINĂU, Republic of Moldova (ILO News) – The State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) of the Republic of Moldova has inaugurated fully renovated and equipped premises in Chișinău, enhancing the country’s capacity to protect workers’ rights, improve compliance with labour legislation and promote fair business practices.

The modernization, undertaken by the International Labour Organization (ILO) within the framework of the EU Support to Inclusive Labour Markets in the Republic of Moldova project, represents an investment of more than MDL 9.15 million (USD 524,000) and forms part of broader efforts to modernize labour market institutions and services.

The new facilities, located within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, house both the central SLI and its Chișinău territorial office. The project also supported the launch of the Inspectorate’s new website, ism.gov.md, providing information for constituents and the wider public and a platform for reporting illegal workplace practices.

The support provided through the project seeks to ensure that the SLI operates more in line with the requirements of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), which Moldova ratified in 1996. The renovations contribute to ensuring labour inspectors have the material needs required under the Convention to undertake their work in suitably equipped offices with access to all persons concerned.

“A strong Labour Inspectorate is essential both for protecting workers and for fostering a fair business environment. This investment provides labour inspectors with better working conditions and tools to carry out their responsibilities, while giving citizens and employers access to more professional and efficient services. We thank the European Union and the International Labour Organization for their continued support for labour market reform in the Republic of Moldova,” said Natalia Plugaru, Minister of Labour and Social Protection.

The initiative is expected to strengthen enforcement of labour legislation, including efforts to prevent undeclared work and other workplace violations, while supporting Moldova’s alignment with international labour standards and related EU acquis. .

“European integration must translate into tangible changes in people’s everyday lives, including safer workplaces, fair working conditions, and respect for the rights of every worker. Through its support for the State Labour Inspectorate, the European Union is contributing to the modernisation of the institution and bringing it closer to European standards. This support aims to create a clearer and more predictable framework for workers and the business community,” said Frederik Coene, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

Project support also includes the provision of 30 body-worn cameras and related infrastructure for labour inspectors, additional data-security equipment, specialized training on occupational accident investigation and gender discrimination, and the development of training programmes for SLI staff, as well as a national awareness campaign on undeclared work and occupational safety and health, implemented together with workers’ and employers’ organizations.

"An institution’s capacity requires a clear mandate, well-trained staff, modern procedures, functional infrastructure and a relationship of trust with workers and employers. The support provided to the State Labour Inspectorate brings all these elements together and contributes to fostering a culture of prevention and compliance,” said Claire Harasty, Director of the International Labour Organization’s Office for Central and Eastern Europe.