The Norwegian model
This relationship is often described as ”The Norwegian model”. The term is used to illustrate the relationship between employers and employees, between employers’ organisations and trade unions and between these parties and the State.
A prerequisite for the successful functioning of this model is close contact between owners/management and the trade unions and elected representatives. This contact can take the form of negotiations, discussions and formal meetings held by boards of directors or committees or more informal gatherings.
This fact can help to explain the high level of union membership in Norway amongst employees with both higher and lower levels of education.
Public and private sector employers and their organisations view the trade unions as natural collaborators and counterparties.
