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Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.
View all Q3 2017 Global Guide Quarterly updates
New Act on Public Employees
New Legislation Enacted
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS
On July 1, 2017, the Act on Public Employees came into effect and replaced the Civil Service Act of 1983. The new law aims to harmonize with the provisions of the Working Environment Act, simplifying and improving the regulation for public employees. The new law affects all public employees, and includes, among other things, changes to the recruitment process, staff regulations, regulations for temporary employment, probation period, termination of employment relationships, preferential rights, and disciplinary penalties.
Proposed Amendments to the Working Environment Act
Proposed Bill or Initiative
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS
On June 29, 2017, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs proposed amendments to the Working Environment Act (the Act) regarding permanent employment, temporary employment, and hiring of labor from temporary work agencies. To ensure security of permanent employment relationships and create flexibility for the employer, the Ministry has proposed to introduce a legal definition of “permanent employment” in the Act, a new statutory basis for temporary employment for the staffing agencies, and a limited access to hiring of labor in terms of quotas directed at certain industries, with special focus on the building and construction industry.
Implementing the EU General Data Protection Regulation in Norway
Proposed Bill or Initiative
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS
On July 6, 2017, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security has proposed a new law on personal data to incorporate the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) into Norwegian law via a reference clause and supplement the GDPR with additional provisions. Under the new rules, all Norwegian companies must revise and update their procedures for processing personal data. If enacted, the new law shall become effective on the same date the GDPR does, i.e., May 25, 2018.