News — Nordic Labour Journal

More culture, less bureaucracy – the keys to a more mobile Nordic labour market

(Aug 22, 2023) By 2030, the Nordics should be the world’s most integrated, sustainable and competitive region. The open Nordic labour market is key to fulfilling that ambition. But mobility is low and may need to be stimulated by administrative and cultural measures, according to recent research.

Iceland’s unemployment rate lowest for 20 years

(Aug 22, 2023) Unemployment goes up and down and is almost always connected to the strength of the economy. This is also the case now, as Iceland’s economy has begun to grow again after the pandemic – largely because of tourism. The unemployment rate in June was 2.5 per cent, the lowest for 20 years. Although this is in itself a positive thing, it has some negative side effects.

New occupational health measures to cut fatal accidents in Danish agriculture

(Aug 22, 2023) Far too many workers are seriously injured at work and the number of fatal accidents in Danish workplaces is at its highest since 2008. Now a parliamentary majority demands action across the three most dangerous sectors, including agriculture.

Fighting domestic violence in Latvia with Finnish and Norwegian support

(Aug 22, 2023) Just a lovers’ spat. A common explanation in Latvia for domestic violence, although legislation has been considerably tightened in recent years. The country’s Marta Centre, with support from Norway, is working to reduce stereotypical perceptions among Latvian government officials.

Norwegian workers lukewarm to further education

(Aug 22, 2023) The annual workforce barometer shows fewer and fewer workers in Norway want to take further education and training.

Mental and social health issues focus during work environment conference

(May 30, 2023) The number of work-related deaths in the EU fell by 57 per cent between 1998 and 2019. But the positive development has flatlined in the past four years. New vigorous action is needed to make a vision zero strategy for work-related deaths a reality.

All senses need to be tuned to safety

(May 30, 2023) To reduce construction site risks, the Safety Park focuses on several senses. That is why you could witness dancing EU politicians and a Swedish labour minister trying out what it feels like being blind, as participants from the EU work environment conference came to visit.

EU questions whether Sweden follows the working time directive

(May 30, 2023) Does Sweden really have to ban 24-hour shifts? This has been hotly debated lately, with angry firemen taking to the streets to be allowed to continue to work for a whole day and night in a stretch.

Swedish schools want zero tolerance for violence

(May 30, 2023) Prevention and preparedness if the worst should happen – that is what working against threats and violence in Swedish schools is about. Cooperation could slow down the negative trend.

Norway tightens rules on hired labour

(May 30, 2023) Norway is tightening the rules on hired labour. Trade unions are cheering while staffing agencies rage and have reported Norway to ESA for being in breach of the EEA agreement.

Crisis at the top of Denmark’s trade union movement

(May 30, 2023) There is a change of leadership at the Danish Trade Union Confederation FH after allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Iceland's heated trade union row over – but embers remain

(May 30, 2023) On 28 April, The Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ) elected Finnbjörn A. Hermannsson as new president. He was the only one who ran.

"Saving the environment" with liquid-cooled data centres

(May 30, 2023) Global data giants are looking to countries with a lot of renewable energy and high security levels to build environmentally friendly data centres. But as electricity prices skyrocket, they are also being accused of taking energy needed in other sectors.

Norwegian security guards dread work among violence and threats

(Apr 14, 2023) Norwegian security guards are ill-prepared to face a tough work environment, according to a new report from the Work Research Institute at OsloMet. One in four dreads going to work.

New OECD report: lessons for Nordics' crisis preparedness

(Mar 23, 2023) The OECD has looked at how the Nordic region handled the corona crisis and which lessons might be learned when dealing with new labour market crises. What sets the Nordics apart from other industrial nations was the close cooperation with the social partners.