Tariffoppgjør

Tariffoppgjør refers to the process of negotiating new collective wage agreements in Norway. This occurs periodically, typically every one or two years, and involves negotiations between employer organizations and labor unions. The primary goal is to determine wages, working hours, and other employment conditions for a specific sector or group of workers.

The process begins with unions submitting their demands, which are then discussed with employer representatives. If an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation, the dispute may escalate to mediation, a process facilitated by a neutral third party. If mediation also fails, a strike by the union or a lockout by the employers can occur. Strikes and lockouts are significant industrial actions that can disrupt services and the economy, and are often used as leverage to force an agreement.

The outcome of a tariffopgjør sets the standard for wages and working conditions for a defined period and affects a significant portion of the Norwegian workforce. These negotiations are closely watched as they can have a broader economic impact and influence future wage settlements in other sectors. The results are publicly announced and form the basis of new collective agreements.