The organisations and the authorities work constructively together across numerous areas. The social partners play an active role in placing political issues on the agenda, and have advisory functions both in labour law and in broader economic and social policy matters. They are also consulted during the development of new labour regulations. Ensuring that all parties have a voice and can present their views is essential.

Tripartite cooperation has been institutionalised since the 1960s when the Government’s Contact Committee with the labour market organisations was established. The Contact Committee is chaired by the Prime Minister. Amongst other things, it addresses the economic situation in the country, and the income policy cooperation is also anchored in the Committee. Another key tripartite body in this cooperation is the Technical Calculation Committee for Wage Settlements (TBU).

There are several arenas for cooperation between the Government and the social partners. In the labour sector, the Labour and Pension Policy Council is a particularly important arena.

Labour and Pension Policy Council

The Labour Policy Council was established in 2003. Since 2009, it has been known as the Labour and Pension Policy Council and is chaired by the Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion. This forum brings together the authorities and the main organisations in the labour market to discuss current issues. In addition to the main organisations, the state as an employer is also represented by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The purpose is to have a forum where the Government and the social partners can address important issues and discuss possible solutions. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Nav) and the Labour Inspection Authority also participate in the meetings.

Within the Labour and Pension Policy Council, discussions regularly cover matter related to the follow-up of the pension reform, and measures to combat social dumping and labour market crime. Issues related to the responsibilities of other ministries are also addressed  

Cooperation on Efforts Against Social Dumping and Labour Market Crime  

The authorities and the social partners each implement a range of measures to promote a serious working life without social dumping and labour market crime. The Government has introduced action plans against social dumping and labour market crime. The measures have been developed in dialogue with the social partners. Progress on the action plan is reported annually, and form the basis of discussions with the main organisations in the labour market about challenges and further efforts.

In cooperation with the social partners, specific industry programmes have been established to promote fair and serious working conditions in vulnerable industries. The establishment of the tripartite industry programmes follows discussions in the Labour and Pension Policy Council.

Tripartite Cooperation in Agencies  

The Labour Inspection Authority and the National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI) each have their own arenas for tripartite cooperation within their respective areas.

The Council for the Labour Inspection Authority facilitates dialogue between the authorities and the social partners. The council is chaired by the director of the Labour Inspection Authority. Key topics in the council include:

  • The current state and development of the working environment situation in Norway
  • Important measures, actions, and campaigns in the Labour Inspection Authority
  • Development of regulations
  • Potential areas of cooperation between the Labour Inspection Authority and the social partners

STAMI’s tripartite advisory council acts as an advisory body on research-related issues and is chaired by the director of STAMI. The advisory council contributes to the institute’s research-related development and fosters cooperation internally and externally, while supporting STAMI’s independent position as the national research institute in the field of occupational health and working environment.  

Knowledge Development in the Labour Sector

Through a permanent reference group, the social partners and the relevant authorities collaborate to develop knowledge within the labour sector. The reference group follows up on relevant research and development (R&D) projects from both the ministry’s portfolio and the social partners’ own projects. The reference group is chaired by the ministry and meets 4-6 times a year.