News
-
A new labour policy for the North
Norway should completely open up its three northernmost counties to labour immigration from Russia. The government also wants to end restrictions on labour from Bulgaria and Romania earlier than planned.
5 minutes -
Spread of franchises weakens unions
Nordic trade unions have been very active in the fight against social dumping of foreign labour. But little has been done to stop entire business sectors from adapting the franchise model – a model which pushes aside most union rights.
4 minutes
-
Striking the right work-life balance
There’s a lot of focus on finding a balance between work and private life these days. Despite all the good intentions, it is hard to imagine real change will come about before we seriously address the difficulties in getting the right mix of family and working life.
5 minutes -
The Nordic region: defying economic theory
The Nordic countries defy many of the traditional economic theories. Despite having large public sectors, strong unions, small wage differences, generous welfare states and high taxes, their economies have fared better than those of most countries.
5 minutes -
Disabilities vs. the labour market
Young people with disabilities and their access to the labour market will receive special focus when Sweden takes the helm at the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2008.
6 minutes
-
Commission Green Paper on labour law and the challenges of the 21st century
The Barrosso Commission of the European Union presented in late 2006 a Green Paper entitled “Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century”. The paper has received reactions and comments during the whole of spring. The general assessment is that the Nordic countries and the Nordic social partners have been rather critical…
3 minutes -
Committing to a sustainable corporate life
It’s called CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility, and it’s the largest project of its kind in Europe. Danish business leaders to be coursed in social responsibility – known as CSR. This autumn sees the beginning of a major project, which involves sending 12.000 business leader.
5 minutes
-
Well-being at work sparks productivity
Facing global competition Finland’s way: go for sustainable working life.
5 minutes
-
New life for “industrial graveyards“ – lots of jobs in culture and arts
All around Europe a fast growing labour market in culture and arts gives new vigour to cities and towns. In de-industrialised places this is particularly evident. Instead of moving out, people have started to move in – to jobs in the “creative sector“ – counting for an average of one third of all jobs.
8 minutes -
No easy way to lower sick leave
In Norway the co-operation between the government, the unions and the employers is usually very close. But September saw an unprecedented quarrel among the three parties about who should pick up the bill for the rising cost of sick leave.
4 minutes