It reports to the President of the Republic through the Ministry of Labour and Social Provision for Pensions for Retirement (Ministerio del Trabajo y Previsión Social) and it is ruled by its organic law (D.F.L. Nº2, from 30 May,1967).

• The Labour Direction ensures the complying with labour, hygiene, pension schemes and safety standards in the place of work.
• It establishes the sense and reach of labour laws through reports.
• It informs both employers and workers/employees on the principles of current labour legislation.
• It works to prevent and resolve conflicts related to work, by creating a system that emphasises cooperation and compromises between employers and employees.
• It provides everyone related to the world of labour with technical assistance in order to favour and promote labour relationships which are harmonious and well-balanced.
• It has a mediation system to solve collective conflicts at work, as well as a system for individual conciliation.

The Labour Inspectorates (Inspecciones del Trabajo) have professionals who are highly skilled and can:

• Monitor the complying with labour and pension-schemes laws on the spot.
• Act as witnesses at events related to unions and in the process of collective negotiations.
• Participate in processes of individual conciliation (appearances in courts) when the labour relationship has concluded and a claim has been filed.
• Act as mediators in collective conflicts between people related to the world of labour.
• Train both employers and employees and spread information on labour legislation.

Both, employees and employers, can run different errands at the labour inspectorate offices which are closest to their work places. In those offices they can:

• Enquire into matters related to work.
• Ask for auditing (file complaints).
• Complain about unfair dismissal.
• Ask for contractors' certificates.
• Require info on how to set up unions.
• Ask for bona fide witnesses (confirmation of end of contract, voluntary resignations, sworn statements, written evidences, etc.)