Good work

Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, I would like to thank the German Presidency for the invitation to take part in this discussion about “Good work – Quality of work”. This subject is of great concern to us in Norway.

Flexibility is important. For employers and for many workers who wants to adjust work hours to their own needs. But, such flexibility must not result in too much pressure on the individual worker to work overtime or in “atypical” employment relationships. Yes, there is a need for flexibility. But, to be flexible, workers have to feel safe and protected against arbitrary treatment. Different contractual relationships and temporary employment is necessary, but permanent contracts must remain the general rule.

Some of the best combinations of flexibility and security is made at the work place - achieved through co-operation with the social partners and through social dialogue.

There is an ongoing discussion whether there has been an increase in the “so called” new forms of employment, and if this requires new legislation. This is a complex issue, but there are three important points I would like to make.

Firstly, I am not sure if I can accept the description that “new forms of employment” are really new. I suspect that many of the “new” forms of employment in reality are still just that –a relationship between an employer and an employee. One example is where a “self-employed” person or a freelancer only has one client that employs the person fulltime.. This is not an alternative form of employment - just a way to avoid the rights and duties derived from labour law.

Secondly I wish to emphasize that we believe that the provisions concerning what constitutes an employer and an employee are adequate in our national law. We have some misgivings whether possible “new” or looser forms of regulation can reduce the job security of workers and the clear cut responsibility employers have for safety and health. These problems can arise especially if the “minimum” standard is too much of a minimum, and not an incentive for better working conditions.

Finally, I would like to emphasize that the Norwegian government is committed to ensuring decent working conditions for ALL workers in Norway. Over the past few years, Norway has experienced a sharp increase in the number of foreign workers from the new Member States. We now see an increasing number of incidents where foreign workers are given employment contracts, pay or other working conditions that are not in line with Norwegian law or collective agreements. The Norwegian government has introduced several measures to tackle this form of social dumping, and to protect the rights of these workers.

All these questions are vital to us. So, Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, we are really looking forward to participating in today’s discussions.

Thank you for your attention.