Most of the European Union directives and regulations in the field of safety and health at work have already been transposed. The deputy secretary-general of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MMPS), Cristina Jandic, gave reassurances in an interview with the press agency IPN. The official noted a close cooperation with the European Union and the International Labor Organization to strengthen the capacities of the State Labor Inspectorate, in particular of labor inspectors.
The authorities want the State Labor Inspectorate to be able to carry out effective controls, to work actively with both employers and employees, and to help develop public information campaigns so that all actors involved are aware of their rights and obligations.
Cristina Jandic said there is still a lot to be done, but the direction is set correctly. Labor inspectors have recently been equipped with body cameras to ensure transparency during checks. Last year, the State Labor Inspectorate detected more than 2,000 cases of undeclared work – more than in the last 10 years cumulatively, the deputy secretary-general at the ministry exemplified, underlining the inspectorate’s increased efficiency.
Also, the National Agency for Employment last year managed to place more than 16,000 unemployed people in the labor market, and for this year it has been proposed to exceed the threshold of 20,000, including among vulnerable people – such as those with disabilities, added Cristina Jandic.
Asked where employees who face illegalities in the workplace can turn to, the deputy secretary-general of the Ministry of Labor and Employment said that the institution receives numerous petitions and complaints from employees.
“If it is a matter of non-compliance with labor legislation, then the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is the institution that receives them, examines them and provides answers within the legal deadline. If the complaints concern issues that fall within the competence of the State Labor Inspectorate, then we involve the labor inspectors in the resolution of cases. Every citizen’s appeal is treated seriously and answered in a timely mannerˮ, concluded Cristina Jandic.