News — Nordic Labour Journal

EU Court: Equal treatment for all, also among minorities

(Feb 24, 2021) Can it be discrimination if an employer favours one person over another if both have some sort of disability? Yes, says the EU Court of Justice in a new ruling. The ban against discrimination does not apply only in relation to persons who are not disabled.

Is Denmark's proposed refugee legislation unrealistic?

(Feb 24, 2021) Denmark’s government has presented legislation that represents a first step towards realising a controversial election promise to set up reception centres in countries outside the EU. Refugees would stay there while their asylum applications are processed in Denmark. Critics doubt the proposed legislation is realistic.

More Nordic people wanted to become Norwegian in 2020

(Feb 10, 2021) 2020 saw a tenfold increase in the number of citizens from other Nordic countries gaining Norwegian citizenship. From 1 January that year, it became possible to hold dual citizenships in Norway. 1,905 people applied to become Norwegian citizens while keeping their old citizenship.

Portugal and Finland head Councils of Ministers

(Jan 22, 2021) The Corona pandemic has demonstrated that good cooperation is not only desirable but literally vital, says the programme for Finland’s 2021 Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. At the same time, Portugal heads the Council of the European Union where the creation of a European health union will be a key issue.

Danish immigration hardliner faces impeachment trial

(Jan 22, 2021) In what is only the second time in 100 years, a Danish parliamentarian is being impeached.

Should employees be compensated for working from home?

(Jan 22, 2021) The Norwegian government is recommending that everyone who is able to, should work from home. The working environment act must be updated, argue labour market organisations.

Iceland: Immigrants are better protected, says MIPEX

(Jan 22, 2021) Sweden is still top, but Iceland saw the greatest increase in the 2020 MIPEX migrant integration policy index. The country’s index rose by seven points from 49 to 56 between 2014 and 2019, on a scale of 100. Sweden got 86 points, down one.

Rovaniemi’s Santa is on his own a lot this year

(Dec 10, 2020) Christmas music plays on speakers everywhere. The sun sets around 1.30 pm. Santa Claus Village in Finnish Lapland is like a wintery Las Vegas, but far less busy.

Elves, dogs and reindeer suffer as tourists disappear from Arctic Circle

(Dec 10, 2020) There seems to be more visitors to the post office than anywhere else in Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village – despite the risk of infection. Auli Sihvo has worked there for 20 years and seen how Santa has improved Lapland's commercial pulling-power.

War destitution created Lapland's tourism boom. It began here.

(Dec 10, 2020) The tourism industry in Finnish Lapland has a lot to thank Eleanor Roosevelt for. The presidential widow’s visit to Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle set in motion an international Lapland industry. This year is the 70th anniversary of her visit.

Covid threat to Nordic “julebord” tradition and restaurant survival

(Dec 10, 2020) Julebord is a Christmas office party on steroids and a major tradition in Norway and Denmark. This season is already a crisis for restaurants and food providers say enterprise confederations. But at least there will probably be fewer #metoo situations.

Sweden’s century-long relationship with the ILO

(Dec 10, 2020) Sweden has had a relationship with the ILO for 100 years. Yet the country never ratified the labour organisation’s first convention. There have been tensions behind the scenes from time to time – like when the conventions have clashed with the Swedish model for collective agreements.

A “Nordic”, independent Scotland post-Brexit?

(Dec 10, 2020) The last time the Scots went to the polls to vote for or against independence from the United Kingdom, there was speculation whether an independent Scotland would seek to link up with the Nordic region. Next year things might get serious.

East meets Nordics in EU road transport show-down

(Dec 10, 2020) The Nordic countries are celebrating that the EU has finally approved rules aimed at fighting social dumping in the international road transport sector. Meanwhile, a number of low-pay countries in the east have asked the EU Court of Justice to annul them.

Migration to the OECD nearly halved during Corona pandemic

(Nov 11, 2020) As a result of the Corona pandemic, the number of migrants being granted visas and residence permits for an OECD country has fallen dramatically. During the first six months of 2020, the number fell by 46% compared to the same period last year, according to the OECD’s International Migration Outlook 2020.