Despite a 10% drop in penalties, experts warn fewer labor inspections reflect staff shortages and employee silence amid layoffs.
Declining Inspections
The number of labor inspections in 2025 decreased to approximately 55,000, marking a 10% reduction from previous years. This decline in penalties does not indicate improved standards but rather a result of widespread layoffs and a new tactic by officials.
Official Justification
PIP officially explains the reduction as a philosophical shift in their approach. Inspectors are now focusing on preparing targeted strikes against companies where the risk of labor violations is highest, rather than conducting random inspections.
Staffing Challenges
A practical constraint contributing to fewer inspections is the significant staffing shortage. With only 1.5 thousand inspectors responsible for supervising 15 million employees, comprehensive oversight remains challenging.
Employee Silence
More concerning than the reduced inspections is the decrease in employee reports. As companies downsize or relocate abroad, workers may be choosing silence to protect their jobs, priorit job security over reporting potential violations.