This year’s Norwegian collective wage settlement in introduces several changes that will have a direct impact on employers with employees working in Norway. With a general wage increase, additional supplements for low-paid employees, new rules on advance payment of sick pay, and stricter information requirements related to occupational pensions, it is important to be well prepared. Here are the key points you should be aware of.
This year’s negotiations have resulted in a total financial framework of 4.4 percent, which is an estimate of the average wage growth.
In addition, Fellesforbundet and Norsk Industri have agreed on a general wage supplement of NOK 6.50 per hour, which will be relevant for companies that follow the Industrial Agreement (Industrioverenskomsten) or use it as a reference.
For employees covered by the TEKO section of the Industrial Agreement, an additional supplement of NOK 4.00 per hour has been agreed.
This means that the lowest-paid employees will receive a total increase of at least NOK 10.50 per hour, which should be incorporated into salary budgets and cost forecasts.
From 1 January 2027, employers must advance sick pay, parental benefits, and care benefits for at least four months, including the employer period of 16 days.
The company must then handle the reimbursement process with NAV itself. This may affect both liquidity and internal procedures.
Employers must also ensure that employees are informed about the company’s occupational pension provider, and how they can monitor contributions and the basis for calculations.
This places higher demands on internal communication and documentation.
We recommend that companies already assess how these changes will affect the company and the employees, review:
salary levels and budgets
employees covered by the TEKO supplement
reimbursement procedures with NAV
employee information regarding occupational pensions
If you have any questions about how the upcoming wage changes may affect your business, or if you would like assistance in ensuring correct implementation, we would be happy to help.