News — Nordic Labour Journal

Spread of franchises weakens unions

(May 01, 2008) Nordic trade unions have been very active in the fight against social dumping of foreign labour. But little has been done to stop entire business sectors from adapting the franchise model - a model which pushes aside most union rights.

The Nordic region: defying economic theory

(May 01, 2007) The Nordic countries defy many of the traditional economic theories. Despite having large public sectors, strong unions, small wage differences, generous welfare states and high taxes, their economies have fared better than those of most countries.

Disabilities vs. the labour market

(May 01, 2007) Young people with disabilities and their access to the labour market will receive special focus when Sweden takes the helm at the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2008.

No easy way to lower sick leave

(Oct 01, 2006) In Norway the co-operation between the government, the unions and the employers is usually very close. But September saw an unprecedented quarrel among the three parties about who should pick up the bill for the rising cost of sick leave.

Well-being at work sparks productivity

(Oct 01, 2006) Facing global competition Finland's way: go for sustainable working life.

Committing to a sustainable corporate life

(Oct 01, 2006) It's called CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility, and it's the largest project of its kind in Europe. Danish business leaders to be coursed in social responsibility - known as CSR. This autumn sees the beginning of a major project, which involves sending 12.000 business leader.

Foreign workers in Iceland — living on the fringe of society

(Mar 01, 2006) One out of four men living in Eastern Iceland is a foreign citizen. The majority of the foreigners come from Poland, work in large-scale industry and live isolated from the Icelandic population.

Lack of manpower - a problem for all

(Mar 01, 2006) Sergo Teider-Lastikka says it makes no real difference that his countrymen will soon be free to seek work in Finland, when the country opens her border to workers from the new EU member states. He has not seen much of the limitations which have been in place for the past two years either.

Labour shortage chokes mobility

(Mar 01, 2006) Finland has decided to abolish the transition rules for labour from new EU member states from 1 May this year. Norway, Denmark and Iceland have still not decided, while Sweden opened her borders as early as 2004.

Fighting against prejudice

(Mar 01, 2006) In an effort to tackle discrimination at all levels of society, the Norwegian government has appointed the first ever equality and anti-discrimination ombud. The aim is to fight against all types of prejudice, be it on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or age.

Renewed vigour for working life

(Sep 01, 2005) Denmark enjoys EU’s lowest unemployment rates among the young, but too few take higher education. NLJ explores how to get the young going by ”leading them by the hand”.

Norway pushes ahead with boardroom equality

(Sep 01, 2005) 1 July 2005 was the deadline for the Norwegian business world to voluntarily make sure there is at least 40 per cent of each gender in company boardrooms. Only 17 per cent of companies have managed that. For the others, the demand will no longer be voluntary. It will be the law.

"Flexicurity more luck than planning"

(Sep 01, 2005) The Danish flexicurity model is more luck than strategic planning, says Kongshøj Madsen, professor of labour market research. He is optimistic, and thinks the Danish tradition of combining flexibility and work security is the model which secures the best development.

Iceland: The parental revolution

(Sep 01, 2005) The image of parent and child doesn't necessarily involve a woman any longer in Iceland. For almost five years fathers in Iceland have been able to take paternity leave, and from day one they have made the most of it. This has been the largest step Iceland has taken towards gender equality. But there are still examples of employers who don’t follow the law.

The Danish model: Inspiring growth

(Sep 01, 2005) The combination ease of dismissal and job and economic security in Denmark has become a big success: 30 percent of Danish workers change jobs every year,unemployment is low, and Danish employees are the most content in the world. Now both employers and employees want to promote the Flexicurity model in Brussels.