tariffavtalen

Tariffavtalen, or the tariff agreement, is a legally binding contract reached through collective bargaining between trade unions and employers’ associations within a sector or a specific workplace. It sets the terms and conditions of employment for the workers covered by the agreement.

The content of a tariffavtalen typically includes wage provisions and pay scales, working hours, overtime rules, rest breaks, vacation and holiday entitlements, and pension or other social benefits. It often also covers matters such as job classifications, career advancement, hiring and dismissal rules, layoff procedures, and rules concerning safety, training, and sick leave. The agreement is negotiated by the social partners and may apply to all workers in a sector or to employees at signatory companies.

Duration and renewal are important features. Tariffavtalen are usually negotiated for a fixed term, commonly a few years, after which terms are renegotiated. Some agreements contain mechanisms for interim adjustments and, in some cases, extensions if negotiations stall or during transition periods.

Extension and coverage vary by jurisdiction. In some countries, governments can extend the tariffavtalen to cover non-signatory employers within a sector to ensure broader wage and working-condition standards; in others, the agreement is binding only on signatories.

Dispute resolution is typically built into tariffavtalen, including grievance procedures, mediation, or arbitration, and may outline the conditions under which strikes or lockouts may occur.

Tariffavtalen contribute to wage stability and predictable labor relations, while critics argue they can reduce flexibility and coverage.