Employment rights and obligations
The Norwegian labour market is regulated by laws and agreements, such as the Working Environment Act and Annual Holidays Act.
The politicians in Parliament pass the laws, while the employers and employees reach agreement through the trade unions.
The provisions of the acts apply to all employers and employees, while the agreements apply to specific occupational groups.
Examples of statutory rights:
- All employees in Norway have the right to an employment contract. The contract must include wage and working hours agreements.
- A normal work week in Norway is 37.5 hours.
- Employees in Norway have a right to at least 25 working days’ holiday a year.
- Employees in Norway have the right to be away from work with full pay for a certain number of days if they or their children are ill.
- Employees who become parents are entitled to paid leave of absence.