Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

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Joint Employer Responsibility Within a Company Group

Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency

Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS

In December 2018, the Norwegian Supreme court gave their judgment in a matter concerning an airline. One of the main questions was whether a group of pilots and cabin crew, who were employed in a subsidiary in the group, could also claim employment in the parent company and in the operating company (another company in the group). The court concluded that the subsidiary was their employer.

Refusal to Shake Hands with Women

Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency

Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS

A temporary employee claimed that he was subject to discrimination as the employer, a school, demanded that he shake hands with both men and women if he wanted a prolongation of his temporary employment. The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal concluded that his practice of refusing to shake hands with women was protected by the freedom of religion. However, the Tribunal found that the employer’s requirement to shake hands with both sexes was reasonable and proportional and, therefore, not contrary to the prohibition against discrimination on basis of religion.

Provisions in Certain CBAs Made Generally Applicable

New Regulation or Official Guidance

Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS

The Tariff Tribunal has extended the regulations that make certain work and pay conditions from certain collective bargaining agreements in specific industries, generally applicable. The regulations apply regardless of whether a company is bound by a CBA. The Tribunal changed the provisions regarding coverage of travel, diet and lodging for the ship, shipbuilding, cleaning, construction and electro industries. As of December 1, 2018, these costs are covered only for travels in Norway.

New Cooperation Agreement on a More Inclusive Working Life (IA-Agreement)

New Regulation or Official Guidance

Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS

On December 18, 2018, the Norwegian government and the four main employer and employee organizations signed a new Cooperation Agreement on a more inclusive working life (NO: IA-avtale). The agreement, which now applies to all companies in Norway from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2022, provides, inter alia, different measures to meet the two main aims of the agreement, which is to reduce sick leave with 10% compared to the annual sick leave average for 2018, and reduce the number of persons dropping out of the working life.