Introduction
Labor law in Norway (arbeidsrett) governs the relationship between employers and employees. It ensures fair treatment in the workplace, protects workers’ rights, and establishes clear rules for hiring, working conditions, termination, and collective agreements. Understanding Norwegian labor law is essential whether you are an employer, employee, or foreign company doing business in Norway.
In this article, we explain the key principles of Norwegian labor law in simple and practical terms. You’ll learn about employment contracts, working hours, holidays, termination rules, and employee protection – as well as what to do if conflicts arise at work.
The foundation of Norwegian labor law
The main source of labor law in Norway is the Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven). This law applies to most employment relationships and sets out the minimum standards for working conditions.
The Act aims to:
Ensure a safe and healthy work environment
Protect employees from unfair treatment
Promote equality and prevent discrimination
Encourage good cooperation between employers and employees
Other important laws include:
Holiday Act (Ferieloven) – regulates the right to annual leave
Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act (Likestillings- og diskrimineringsloven)
National Insurance Act (Folketrygdloven) – provides social security benefits
Civil Servants Act (Tjenestemannsloven) – for public employees
Employment contracts – your legal foundation
All employees in Norway are entitled to a written employment contract. This document is crucial because it defines the rights and obligations of both the employer and the employee.
The contract must include:
Job title and description
Working hours and place of work
Salary and benefits
Start date (and end date, if temporary)
Notice period
Reference to applicable collective agreements
Tip: Never start working without a signed contract. It is your best protection if disagreements arise later.
Working hours and overtime
Under the Working Environment Act, normal working hours are limited to 9 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Many sectors have shorter hours due to collective agreements.
If you work overtime (overtid), you are entitled to additional pay – at least 40% extra compensation. Overtime must always be agreed upon and should not exceed the legal limits unless special circumstances apply.
Employers must also ensure employees have adequate rest periods and breaks during the workday. Continuous work without sufficient rest is a violation of labor law and can lead to sanctions from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet).
Salary, holidays, and benefits
Norwegian law guarantees certain minimum rights when it comes to pay and leave:
Salary (lønn): There is no national minimum wage in Norway, but many industries are covered by collective agreements (tariffavtaler) that set minimum rates.
Holidays (ferie): Employees are entitled to 25 working days of vacation per year. Those over 60 years get an extra week.
Holiday pay (feriepenger): Usually 10.2% of the annual salary (12% if you have five weeks of holiday).
Sick leave (sykemelding): Employees are entitled to 100% salary for up to 52 weeks, covered by the employer and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV).
Parental leave (foreldrepermisjon): Parents can share up to 49–59 weeks of leave with financial support from NAV.
Termination and protection from unfair dismissal
Norwegian labor law provides strong protection against wrongful termination.
Employers cannot dismiss an employee without a “just cause” (saklig grunn). Valid reasons can include:
Downsizing or restructuring
Lack of performance (after proper follow-up)
Gross misconduct
The termination process must always be fair and documented. The employer must hold a discussion meeting (drøftelsesmøte) before giving notice, and the employee has the right to be accompanied by a representative.
Notice periods vary depending on the employee’s age and length of service, typically between 1 and 6 months.
Unlawful dismissals can be challenged in court. The employee can claim reinstatement (gjeninntreden i stillingen) or compensation (erstatning) if the termination violates the law.
Temporary and part-time employment
Norwegian law allows temporary employment (midlertidig ansettelse) only under specific conditions, such as replacement for another employee, project work, or seasonal jobs.
Permanent employment (fast ansettelse) is the default and provides stronger protection.
Part-time employees (deltidsansatte) have the same rights as full-time employees, including holiday pay and protection from discrimination. Employers must document why part-time work is necessary and offer more hours when available.
Workplace environment and employee safety
A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental right in Norway. Employers are legally required to assess risks, implement preventive measures, and ensure proper training for employees.
The Working Environment Act also requires the establishment of safety representatives (verneombud) and, in larger companies, working environment committees (arbeidsmiljøutvalg).
Employees who experience bullying, harassment, or unsafe conditions have the right to report these issues without retaliation.
Collective agreements and trade unions
Many Norwegian workplaces are regulated by collective agreements (tariffavtaler) negotiated between trade unions and employers’ organizations.
These agreements cover issues like:
Minimum wage levels
Overtime pay
Pension contributions
Work schedules
Dispute resolution
Joining a trade union (fagforening) can provide additional legal protection and support in negotiations or conflicts.
Disputes and legal assistance
If a workplace dispute arises – for example, related to dismissal, harassment, or unpaid wages – the employee can:
Contact the Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet)
Seek help from their union representative
Bring the case to a lawyer specialized in labor law
A qualified labor lawyer can help assess the situation, negotiate a settlement, or represent you in court.
Conclusion
Labor law in Norway is designed to create fairness, equality, and safety in the workplace. Whether you are an employee seeking protection or an employer who wants to follow the law correctly, it’s important to understand your rights and duties.
