Work Environment — Nordic Labour Journal

Pan-European protests as EU introduces new working hours for pilots

(Dec 14, 2012) When SAS employees were forced to agree to a 47.5 hour week they came closer to the general rule within the EU. Now further EU adjustments await. Brussels is preparing new rules on flight working hours and member states will not be allowed to adopt stricter rules. But according to pilot organisations and air safety authorities the proposals are a threat to air safety.

SAS agreement will lead to wage squeeze in other companies

(Dec 14, 2012) Employers will be inspired by the SAS management to make savings on salaries, predicts labour market researcher Flemming Ibsen, who calls SAS’ ultimatum to trade unions “un-Nordic” and “incredibly brutal”.

Globalisation of airlines - a walkout for safety?

(Dec 14, 2012) To see how globalisation can squeeze work conditions, just look at the aviation industry. Everybody wants to fly safely, but both customers and authorities seem tempted by cheap airline tickets. The result is trade unions on their knees while pilots and other airline staff must work longer hours. But is the situation as bleak as some say? Is the Nordic model under threat?

Finnish pilots spot three mistakes

(Dec 14, 2012) Pilot fatigue has been one of this year’s big talking points. Not because of an increase in accidents, but in order to tighten rules on rest and flight periods. It has been a hot debate.

Norway renegotiates tri-partite inclusive workplace agreement

(Nov 15, 2012) ‘Everyone’ was there when Norway’s Ministry of Labour staged its annual conference on the inclusive workplace agreement. It was also the first public meeting between the new Director General at the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise and the President of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions.

Culture helps handle the darker sides of working life

(Oct 14, 2012) There are great hopes that creativity will give businesses the competitive edge, but amateurish attempts at introducing culture into working life do not help, say Finnish pioneers on culture in businesses.

The right use of space improves office work

(Sep 16, 2012) Disturbing sounds like high volume conversations are often an environmental problem in workplaces, and it can lead to loss of concentration and more mistakes being made. Now new research out of Finland shows it is possible to reduce such inconveniences through flexible space concepts.

Editorial: Can apps open the door to a new working life?

(May 22, 2012) The mobile telephone is one of the best examples of Nordic cooperation there is. The use of the same standards across Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden created a market which was big enough to allow companies like Nokia and Ericsson a head start and to become major exporters.

Nordic opposition to minimum wage shows lack of solidarity?

(May 22, 2012) Should we have a statutory minimum wage? Absolutely not say Nordic trade unions, and they’re usually backed by employers’ organisations. It’s an attitude people elsewhere in Europe find difficult to understand.

Just how many older workers are there? And do they want to work more?

(Feb 09, 2012) When the EU made 2012 the year for active ageing and solidarity between generations, Eurostat was tasked with producing relevant statistics. “It could become commonplace for people to move into retirement while still having one or both of their parents alive”, is one of the thought-provoking conclusions.