Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Japan (Ratification: 1953)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the information sent in reply to its previous comments. It also notes the observation of 20 September 2006 by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) that the proportion of women in the labour inspectorate staff (approximately 7 per cent) is insufficient in relation to the proportion of the female workforce (44 per cent of the total workforce), 52 per cent of these women being atypical workers confronted with numerous problems. The above organization is of the view that more women inspectors should be recruited as a matter of urgency so that inspection duties can be carried out effectively. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would make any comments it deems useful on this matter and would indicate whether, as the above organization asks, it plans to adapt the composition of the inspectorate staff to match the gender distribution of the workforce (Article 8 of the Convention). Please report any measures taken to this end to the International Labour Office.

Annual report by the Central Inspection Authority. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would take steps to ensure that an annual report containing the information required by Article 21 is communicated to the ILO within the time limit prescribed by Article 20.

Part V of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments in the labour inspection system aimed at ensuring protection for the greatest number of workers of both sexes, and particularly on any new forms of industrial relations in the sectors covered by the Convention.