Labor Inspector

A labor inspector mainly works at the labor inspection. Normally, this is a person required by law to visit companies and has missions such as ensuring the application of the labor code. The labor inspector may or may not notify union services or the employer of their upcoming visit.

What is the role of a labor inspector?

The role of the labor inspector is to enforce labor law. Indeed, the labor inspector ensures the application of the rules set out by the labor code. In a labor dispute, it is their role to bring both parties to an understanding, which can be done in front of labor rights defenders. The mission of a labor inspector is broad; it includes overseeing labor law in all its aspects, whether it concerns contracts, working hours, consideration of safety and hygiene, as well as the operation of establishments and union personnel.

If the employer decides not to strictly comply with wage regulations such as the minimum wage (SMIC) and equal pay between men and women, this is where the inspector will intervene. Employees can call on them if working hours exceed the rules or if work clauses are inappropriate.

The inspector will also act as a guide for the employee or employer, who must contact them to inform about something related to labor law. Here are the duties of the labor inspector:

Control of rules within the company in accordance with labor law

The labor inspector has the right to restructure professional regulations within a company. After the formulation of said regulation, the inspector will receive it and can then inspect if there is a clause that is not compliant with the law or that harms an employee. An employee will also call on a labor inspector when they notice a non-regulatory clause.

Dismissal of a union delegate or protected employee

In this case, the employer will call on a labor inspector to authorize them to proceed with a contractual dismissal. This also applies to a delegate or staff defenders, a union member, staff advisors, or an occupational physician. It is also the case for requesting an exemption to employ a person under 18 years old.

The labor inspector also reconciles the two parties involved in an internal conflict

They do not have the right to settle disputes but act only as a mediator. If necessary, one of the two parties will appeal or provide information to a labor tribunal.

What are the skills of the labor inspector?

You can also check in the list of employee advisors in your company if someone can already inform you about your legal questions or disputes. So you wonder what the qualities and characteristics are that a labor inspector must have, or rather for a person to be hired as one?

To succeed in this job, a person must be both neutral and fair in their judgments. They must also be aware that an inspector is subject to constant social and professional pressure and must in no case be influenced.

A person aspiring to become a labor inspector must know how to keep confidential the elements they know internally within a company. This is also true for information related to employees because a labor inspector could be aware of sensitive data.

The labor inspector acting as an intermediary must be able to intervene in internal conflicts and disputes and above all show that he is an experienced instructor and negotiator. During his missions, he must also easily adapt to various situations.

As for his skills and abilities, he must be absolutely capable of mastering labor law. This necessarily includes the labor code, the various collective agreements related to each sector of activity. Finally, a labor inspector must be able to interpret labor law and above all understand its ramifications and also be able to manage his team.

How to contact a labor inspector from the labor inspection?

To meet a labor inspector to answer your questions, you have two options:

Call the labor inspector’s number displayed in your company

Normally, the phone number of this so-called labor inspector is displayed in a location easily visible to all employees. This is required by Article D 47 11 1 provided by the Labor Code. At the same time, the employer is required to display in his premises and precisely in easily accessible places: the number and address of the occupational doctor, emergency services, and the labor inspector (his name and contact details). If there is none, the staff union can provide them to you.

The second option is to go to the DIRECCTE website to find the contact details of the labor inspection.

If your employer does not display the contact details of the labor inspection on the company walls, go to the DIRECCTE website. This is where you will easily find all the DIRECCTEs of all regions. Go to your region and find the number and address of the inspector assigned there.

When to call on the labor inspection?

Know that anyone can call on a territorial unit of the DREETS which then sends control agents or a labor inspection control agent. Note that the labor inspection is often contacted by union representatives or staff representatives.

Here are practical cases that require calling on the labor inspection:

• Drafting the internal regulations of a company
• Working time exceeding the maximum duration authorized by law
• Individual schedules not complying with legislation
• Poor working conditions
• Need for authorization for the dismissal of a protected employee in view of a conventional termination

Here are other situations for which the employer or employee contacts the labor inspection:

• Internal employee/employer conflict
• The rules in force relating to working conditions, hours, safety, and health within the company are not respected
• Moral harassment at work
• Non-compliance with prohibitions (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.)

Visit of the labor inspector: What you need to know

The law does not require labor inspectors to inform company managers that they will visit. But once the labor inspector is on the company premises, he must inform the employer that he is now there except in cases where this information about his presence must be kept secret, such as in the case of undeclared work.

During his visit to the labor inspectors, the employer is not obliged to assist them and the latter cannot refuse the inspection either. In the absence of the employer, a competent employee will provide the controllers or the labor inspector with the necessary information.

Thus, the labor inspector will have access to all the premises of the establishment to obtain information about all employees, articles, and staff as well as their professions. With or without his decision, the employer must provide the labor inspector with all the necessary information and documents in their current state, such as employment contracts and pay slips.

During a visit by the labor inspector, he may request information from employees and the employer cannot prevent him from doing so.

What training is required to become a labor inspector?

To become a labor inspector, you must pass a category A competitive exam. For this, an aspiring labor inspector must hold a BAC+3 diploma (preferably in law and a diploma recognized in France). The person aspiring to become an inspector must then follow an integrated preparatory class established by the Ministry of Employment. Finally, there is a theoretical and practical training that the aspiring inspector must follow for at least 18 months at the INTEFP. At the end of the studies, the student becomes certified according to the Jury’s provisions.

How to register for the labor inspector exam?

Here are the conditions to be eligible for the exam to become a labor inspector 

• Be French or at least a national of one of the EU countries
• Be capable of exercising your rights
• Provide your criminal record with the entries on your bulletin n°2
• Be eligible and favorable to national service
• Provide your BAC+3 diploma
• For internal candidates: at least 4 years of public service is essential
• To compete for the 3^rd time, you must have at least 8 years of experience in a similar position in the private sector

So how do you register for the labor inspector exam ?

The first eligible way to register for a labor inspector exam is electronically. For this, you must go to the Ministry of Labor’s website.

The second eligible way is by mail, but you must first download the registration form: either by downloading the said form from the Ministry’s website or by sending an email to the Ministry of Labor and the HR department.

When sending the registration forms, it is essential to do so in a sealed envelope or by registered mail.

Labor inspector job description and salary

Wondering how much a labor inspector is paid?

It depends on his rank and duties and then varies from 1,800 to 3,200 euros gross per month

What are the exams for the labor inspector?

To become a labor inspector, you must pass a competitive exam and to be eligible, you must have at least a BAC + 3. To have a better chance of being admitted, you should take courses in a CPI or Integrated Preparatory Class that the ministry has set up. You will then have to follow training with the INTEFP.

What are the career advancement opportunities for a labor inspector?

During his career, the labor inspector can advance to the position of director of labor or deputy director of labor and will thus be promoted to a position with more responsibilities and in charge of a somewhat larger team.