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The most important moment for workers in Norway is approaching. LO prepares for negotiations
The organization emphasizes the need for greater employee participation in generated profits. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa (zdjęcie poglądowe)
The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions has announced it will fight for more than a 4 percent wage increase in this year's negotiations. Union representatives point to growing income disparities and announce measures to support the lowest earners.
The new leadership of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) has presented its priorities ahead of the spring wage negotiation round. Talks begin on March 23. The reference point is the inflation forecast of 3 percent. To ensure real wage growth, raises must exceed this level. The union signals that a natural level of demands is above 4 percent.
Real wage growth as the goal of negotiations
Christian Justnes, Chairman of the Industrial Workers' Union, announced that the organization will aim for at least a 4 percent wage increase. Final demands are to be determined after the publication of final data by the Technical Committee for Statistical Calculations, which is expected to be released in March. This data forms the basis for formulating official demands.
In 2025, the wage increase framework was set at 4.4 percent. Real wage growth amounted to 1.9 percent. According to estimates, a 4 percent raise would mean an annual salary increase of between NOK 25,508 and NOK 40,224, depending on the occupational group. The highest nominal amounts would apply to white-collar workers in industry. However, part of the increase would be offset by inflation.
In 2025, the wage increase framework was set at 4.4 percent. Real wage growth amounted to 1.9 percent. According to estimates, a 4 percent raise would mean an annual salary increase of between NOK 25,508 and NOK 40,224, depending on the occupational group. The highest nominal amounts would apply to white-collar workers in industry. However, part of the increase would be offset by inflation.
High bonuses and salaries for managers are being criticized.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standardowa/AntiD
Dispute over value-added distribution
LO draws attention to the growing share of owners in the value added by enterprises. In 2025, the share of wages in the value added in industry was 74.7 percent. The remaining 25.3 percent was the owners' share. According to union representatives, this share has historically hovered around 20 percent. The organization declares that its goal is to return to this level.
The union also points to the growing pay gap between women and men. In the health and care sector, only 36 percent of employees work full-time. In 2025, only 28 percent of job postings for healthcare workers were for full-time positions. They announce the introduction of bonuses for low earners and fixed-amount raises instead of percentage increases. The organization also proposes that employers pay sick leave advances after the first 16 days, instead of referring employees to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration.
On February 17, the LO representatives' council is to approve the form of negotiations and final demands. On March 5, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise will adopt its position. Talks involving the Norwegian Industrial Association are to begin at the end of March and set the direction for other sectors of the economy.
The union also points to the growing pay gap between women and men. In the health and care sector, only 36 percent of employees work full-time. In 2025, only 28 percent of job postings for healthcare workers were for full-time positions. They announce the introduction of bonuses for low earners and fixed-amount raises instead of percentage increases. The organization also proposes that employers pay sick leave advances after the first 16 days, instead of referring employees to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration.
On February 17, the LO representatives' council is to approve the form of negotiations and final demands. On March 5, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise will adopt its position. Talks involving the Norwegian Industrial Association are to begin at the end of March and set the direction for other sectors of the economy.
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