There is no national statutory minimum wage in Norway. However, several employer confederations have taken an initiative to introduce a minimum wage in relation to the current refugee situation.
The rationale is that it being part of working life is seen as a measure of success when it comes to the integration of refugees and immigrants. However, some fear they will end up in trades and industries where there is considerable pressure on lowering wages and where collective bargaining coverage is low; while employer confederations argue that a national minimum wage could secure decent pay. The initiative was met by surprise by trade unions. Tor-Arne Solbakken, Deputy Chairman of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) stated that wages should be regulated by collective agreements and that a national minimum wage would lead to lower pay for many employees.