Fagforbund

Fagforbund is the Norwegian term for a trade union, an organized association of workers formed to protect and advance their common interests in the workplace. Trade unions, including fagforbund, aim to secure fair wages, safe working conditions, reasonable working hours, and other terms of employment through collective bargaining with employers. They may also provide legal assistance, professional training, member services, and representation in disputes with management or authorities. Membership is typically voluntary and organized by sector, occupation, or workplace, with decision-making through democratically elected representatives and regular meetings.

In Norway, fagforbund are usually part of larger national or confederal bodies and operate at both local and national levels. The unions negotiate collective agreements that cover pay scales, benefits, pensions, overtime rules, vacation, sick leave, and other employment terms for their members. They also advocate on labor policy issues, participate in social dialogue with government bodies, and represent workers in arbitration or legal proceedings when disputes arise.

A common structural arrangement is a national or regional confederation that coordinates activities among several affiliated unions, while local chapters handle day-to-day member services and local negotiations. The concept of a fagforbund is not unique to Norway, as many Nordic and European countries use similar terms and structures for organized labor representing workers in specific trades or sectors.

Overall, fagforbund serve to balance the power between employees and employers by giving workers collective bargaining leverage, support in employment matters, and a platform for political and social advocacy within the framework of labor rights and social welfare.