Kontraktsoppgjør

Kontraktsoppgjør is a process in Norwegian law that allows a person to terminate their employment contract with an employer, typically after a certain period of employment. The term "kontraktsoppgjør" is derived from the Norwegian words "kontrakt," meaning contract, and "oppgjør," meaning settlement or balance. This process is governed by the Norwegian Labor Code and is designed to provide employees with a fair and structured way to end their employment.

The key feature of kontraktsoppgjør is that it is a voluntary process initiated by the employee. The employer cannot unilaterally terminate the employment contract. The employee must provide a written notice to the employer, specifying the reasons for the termination. The notice must be given at least one month before the intended termination date, although this period can be reduced in certain circumstances, such as if the employee is leaving to take up another job.

Once the notice is given, the employer and employee enter into a settlement process. This involves negotiating the terms of the termination, including the final salary, notice period, and any other relevant matters. The goal is to reach a mutually agreeable settlement that is fair to both parties. If the parties cannot agree, the dispute can be referred to a labor court for resolution.

Kontraktsoppgjør is particularly relevant in Norway due to the country's strong emphasis on collective bargaining and the right to collective bargaining agreements. These agreements often include provisions that govern the terms of employment termination, including kontraktsoppgjør. The process is designed to ensure that employment terminations are handled in a fair and transparent manner, protecting the rights of both employees and employers.