Strategic compliance planning for labour inspection among construction sector SMEs in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe

To address the persistent decent work deficits and low labour productivity within the construction sector, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Southern African Development Community, is spearheading a Strategic Compliance Planning through its Decent Work in Construction Project. This Project aims to tackle the root causes of poor working conditions, low compliance and labour productivity issues in the sector.

Market systems analyses conducted in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have identified several key challenges contributing to these issues. A significant problem is the limited number of labour inspections, with most resources being directed towards large-scale public sites, often neglecting smaller projects and aspects such as wage and benefit verification.

Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge about labour rights and regulatory requirements among workers and contractors. Another concerning trend is the shifting of occupational health and safety responsibilities up the supply chain, often leaving main contractors unaccountable for on-site accidents.

The Decent Work in Construction Project, through the ILO's Strategic Compliance Planning approach aims to address these challenges through improve the frontline delivery of labour inspection services. This involves developing practical tools, such as standard operating procedures, checklists, and inspection guides, and improving the efficiency and impact of administrative procedures.

Additionally, the Strategic Compliance Planning approach promotes collaboration among labour inspectorates and other stakeholders including other Ministries. By expanding networks and initiating dialogues on labour law compliance, it encourages partnerships that facilitate shared learning and joint communication campaigns. This collective effort is crucial for addressing significant compliance issues and implementing effective remediation strategies.

The Strategic Compliance Planning workshops are scheduled for September and October 2024 in the three pilot countries. These workshops are a significant step towards equipping national and local stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge to improve compliance in the construction sector. The experiences and insights gained from these pilot workshops will be shared with other Southern African Development Community member states in November 2024 and beyond.