Norway: the conservative government wants to make the labor market more flexible

On June 11, Robert Eriksson, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, presented the outline of a draft reform of the professional environment.  The text notably provides for more flexible standards to appeal to temporary work, for flexible working time and work on Sunday.  Unions view this as an attempt to weaken them as the draft multiplies cases where businesses can make decisions without getting unions’ consent first.  It will all depend, in the months to come, of the nature of the talks on the draft, sent for consultation.
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The draft’s spirit, according to the government. “Labor is constantly evolving and must be more flexible to meet the requirements of modern companies and family life. This is why we want to amend rules on temporary employment, the duration of work and retirement age,” Robert Eriksson explained. He also wants to “listen to employees who want more flexibility, to work more when they’re at work, and be at peace, at home when they’re off.” In this context, the Minister has presented the outline

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