LO launches debate on the future of working life

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The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) launched a campaign in September 1998, focusing on the future of working life. In cooperation with the Workers' Education Association of Norway, an extensive discussion exercise will be held, which will form part of LO's assessment of any necessary changes to the current Act on Worker Protection and the Working Environment.

In the autumn of 1998, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (Landsorganisasjonen i Norge, LO) launched a nationwide campaign entitled People and working life (Menneske og arbeidsliv) The campaign started on 21 September 1998, when parallel conferences were held in seven different locations throughout the country. An opening speech by LO's president, Yngve Hågensen, was transmitted to all the conferences, which were attended by local shop stewards. The campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the Workers' Education Association of Norway (Arbeidernes Opplysningsforbund i Norge, AOF).

LO members will receive a discussion booklet with questions, and answers and viewpoints are to be submitted and summarised. The booklet will also be distributed via the Internet, with the possibility of responding online. Non-LO members are also invited to participate in the debate.

The discussion booklet raises a number of issues that stem from processes of change in working life and society in general. Among the topics under discussion are working time, the significance of increased globalisation and new technology, the effects of increased reorganisation/rationalisation at the workplace, the working environment, and the need for new qualifications and further education in working life. Central to the discussion are the challenges facing the labour movement in a situation of changing working conditions.

In his introductory speech at the opening of the campaign, Yngve Hågensen stated that the debate might provide the basis for viewpoints and inputs by LO concerning a new and improved Workers Protection and Working Environment Act. The present Act was passed in 1977, and has not been subject to much change since. The LO president points out that the Act was a product of the industrial society, and that the future will see a more service-, competence- and information-based society. The implications are that there new challenges and obstacles in safeguarding a good working environment for employees.

The first part of the campaign will be concluded at LO's 100th anniversary celebration on 1 April 1999. AOF will examine the results before LO starts the work of formulating demands and strategies.