Labor Inspection plagued by unpleasant work circumstances

Legislators recently discussed the unpleasant work circumstances at the nation’s Labor Inspection Department. The department is undermanned, does not have adequate housing and there are no young workers. The department is founded on a decree but will be given legal status through legislation in accordance with international agreements. Suriname has about 41,000 registered companies that must be inspected by 54 inspectors. MP Silvana Afonsoewa (NDP), chairwoman of the Committee of Rapporteurs, pointed out that there will be 24% less workers at Labor Inspection after the next 4 years. “After 10 years 48% will leave, if we do not hire new people,” said MP Afonsoewa who added that Labor Inspection does not only focus on working conditions at companies but that it also focuses on human trafficking and sexual harassments cases. She emphasized the need to give Labor Inspection the necessary ‘tools’ to get the job done properly. She explained that a labor inspector will not be taken seriously by a company if he or she lacks the proper tools.

MP Dew Sharman (VHP) who is also a member of the committee agreed with MP Afonsoewa. “How is Labor Inspection supposed to inspect the entire jurisdiction if it lacks the manpower and tools? How does Labor Inspection operate when it visits state companies? Is the government supposed to inspect the government? Is that a healthy thing?” Labor Minister Soewarto Moestadja explained that Labor Inspection has received sufficient attention throughout the years. He pointed out that a building has already been constructed for Labor Inspection but that it must still be connected to the water and electricity network. He also pointed out that the “government is formulating a durable policy for the training of labor inspectors.”