Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
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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New Ruling on Principle of Equal Treatment for Hired Workers
Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
The Supreme Court recently ruled on whether hired personnel pursuant to the equal treatment rule under section 14-12 of the Working Environment Act were entitled to a company bonus on an equal footing with permanent employees and apprentices in the company in which they were hired. The Supreme Court's decision stipulates that hired employees will be entitled to a bonus from the staffing company on an equal footing with the employees. This also applies in a case of bonus schemes at group and company level that are not directly linked to the individual employee's work effort.
Employer’s Duty of Care When Sexual Harassment by Customers
Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court ruled that a female employee at a mechanical repair yard had been sexually harassed by two of the company’s customers. Both customers were liable to the employee for damages for noneconomic loss. At the appellate level, the employer was found liable for damages due to the lack of compliance with its duty of care and duty to take action. Both judgments clarify the threshold for the kind of acts that may constitute sexual harassment.
Temporary Regulations Regarding Lay-off and Unemployment Benefits
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government has enacted a number of temporary measures relating to layoffs, extending the maximum allowed temporary layoff period from 26 weeks to 52 weeks within an 18-month period, starting November 1, 2020. During the 52 weeks, the employee will be entitled to the following salary and unemployment benefits: 10 days of salary from the employer (employer period I); 30 weeks of unemployment benefits, five days of salary from the employer (employer period II); 19 weeks of unemployment benefits. The temporary regulations apply from November 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021.
New Pension Rules
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
Concerning pension account for employees with defined contribution pensions, starting January 1, 2021, employees are no longer required to have at least 12 months of employment to obtain a pension when the employee leaves the company. Accordingly, deposit pensions accrue as of the first day, regardless of the duration of the employment.
Proposal to Increase Age limit to 72 Years for Norwegian State Employees
Proposed Bill or Initiative
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
The government proposes to increase the general age limit for state employees, from 70 to 72 years. This proposal was submitted for review, with a February 28, 2021, deadline for comments.
