Employment Law in Norway

Norway has strong protection against unfair dismissal. Employers must have a valid reason (Working Environment Act § 15-7).

• Termination must be 'objectively justified' (saklig begrunnet)
• 1-3 months notice period depending on employment length
• Right to negotiate and challenge the decision
• Right to remain in position during dispute (§ 15-11)

It is illegal to discriminate based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or age (Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act).

• Applies to hiring, pay, promotion, and termination
• Employer has the burden of proof if discrimination is alleged
• File complaints with the Discrimination Tribunal (Diskrimineringsnemnda)

Normal working hours are max 40 hours/week. Overtime must be compensated at minimum 40% extra (Working Environment Act § 10-6).

• Max 10 hours overtime per 7 days, 25 per 4 weeks
• Right to flexible working hours if possible (§ 10-2)
• Night work and Sunday work have special rules

All employees have the right to sick pay from day 1. The first 16 days are paid by the employer, then NAV takes over (National Insurance Act § 8-18).

• 100% salary coverage for up to 1 year
• Self-certification (egenmelding) for up to 3 days
• Protection against termination during sick leave (first 12 months)