The Norwegian agricultural sector employs 1,500 workers, the number of seasonal workers is 20,000. 80 % of them are from Poland, 15 % from the Baltic states, and 5 % from other countries.
International Comparison of Employment
The minimum wage in agriculture is € 13.00 per hour, but it is not always paid. Breakdown of welfare insurance contributions: employee 0.0 %, employer 16.0 %, income tax 13.0 % (plus 1.0 % for the Green Sector).
International Comparison of Wages and Labour Costs
According to the law the weekly working time is 40 hours. The collective agreement provides for 37.5 hours, which amounts to 1,950 hours per year. People working more than 8 hours a day are paid a 40 % bonus, or 50 % if they are covered by a collective agreement. The maximum weekly working time can be 48 hours. The daily working time window is 6 - 18 h.
International Comparison of Working Time
The law lays down 25 days for 4 weeks. The collective agreement is 5 weeks/30 days. A holiday benefit of 10.2 % of the average monthly wage is paid, or 11 % for workers covered by a collective agreement. This is financed by a special fund.
International Comparison of Leave and Paid Holidays
Health and pension insurance are public systems. Employers have to take out accident insurance for workers in a private system. The annual contribution is € 300.00.
In Norway illness-related absence from work accounts for 10 % of the total working time.
In 2006 there were 14 fatal accidents in the Norwegian agricultural sector.
Companies with more than 10 people must appoint (elect) a safety officer. After being elected the person must provide evidence of 40 qualification hours.
Any person handling toxic materials needs an according qualification certificate.
International Comparison of Occupational Health and Safety
The trade union has 1,500 members, which is equivalent to a degree of unionisation of about 10 % of permanently employed workers and 1% of seasonal workers.
Trade unions are represented in 10 % of the companies. 3,000 workers are covered by collective agreements. The trade union reach is 100 %. For this purpose the trade union has started a project with special activities.
International Comparison of Trade Union Influence
The minimum wage in Norway is 85 % of the average wage in the industry.
International Comparison of Minimum Standards
Norway has a comprehensive system of trade union participation. In a number of companies the trade union has members on the board of directors.
International Comparison of Trade Union Participation