The legal framework of a working contract is regulated in the Norwegian Act concerning Labour Protection and Environment, dated 1977-02-04 No 04 . The act defines the terms “employee” and “employer” and what is required for a legally binding working contract.
Any employee; i.e. “anyone who is conducting work in an other´s services” (unofficial translation) ought to read care fully any drafts prior to signing the final document; preferably with the assistance by an external legal adviser. The employee has certain protections against changes in and termination of the working contract. It is important to know about the rights and obligations as per the working contract and the prevailing labour laws and regulations at any given time.
Any employer; i.e. “anyone who has engaged an employee to conduct work in his/her services” (unofficial translation) shall provide a draft working contract, which shall at least consist of the following key points:
The employer shall ensure that the activities are operated and maintained and that the work is planned, organised and conducted in accordance with the Norwegian labour laws and regulations at any given time.
Working conflicts have no winners! The employee is often exposed to unreasonable pressure and personal focus. The employer is putting the firms reputation at stake. Unclearity or uncertainty creates adverse motivations for the other employees. A time consuming and costly process creates extra burden for the employee and the remaining organisation. Experiences show that it often is better with “a lean and mean arbitration than a fat process”.
I have been involved in a number of working contracts in Norway and abroad. My experience and understanding of the legal and personal aspects might provide you with a smoother and better solution for all parties involved. Experiences show that it often might be better to “be proven right than to have right”.
If you need more information about how I can assist you regarding labour and laws, please contact me by e-mail: post@advdrange.no or call me on + 47 414 32 965.
