NITO's input to the parties' political priorities
NITO has submitted its most important input to the parties in the Storting. We emphasise that Norway is facing major restructuring – and that the expertise of engineers and technologists must be central to shaping the political direction of the future.
"Working life is changing rapidly. The tripartite cooperation must be developed in step with the times in order to maintain its strength," says NITO President Kjetil Lein.
Norway needs knowledge-based political solutions in the time ahead
Norway is facing significant improvements and restructuring. Increased competitiveness, geopolitical unrest, new security threats, digital transformation and a changing world of work require knowledge-based political solutions. NITO's 116,000 members are ready to contribute.
Turbulent times remind us how crucial it is to prioritize the most important things first. NITO believes that this job is done every day: when the industry has the power it needs, when critical infrastructure such as water and sewage in the municipalities are functioning and when new generations acquire the science skills that enable them to face the future.
NITO is Norway's largest trade union for engineers and technologists. Our members work in all sectors, are close to everyday challenges and provide the basis for thousands of decisions every single day. Engineers and technologists are used to seeing opportunities and their insight is of great value in the work on the solutions of the future.
Tripartite cooperation is a fundamental pillar of Norwegian society and is important in a constantly changing working life. NITO will be a contributor to the development to ensure a robust, safe and future-oriented society and working life.
"Norway needs policies that are based on knowledge and expertise. Engineers and technologists must be central to the restructuring, Lein points out.
NITO's expectations for political priorities in the coming parliamentary term
Strengthening the Norwegian model and tripartite cooperation
The Norwegian model lays the foundation for a working life with a high degree of unionisation and collective agreement coverage, active union representatives and cooperation. NITO's union representatives and members now experience restructuring processes as more demanding than before, which requires targeted work to ensure a continued serious working life and support for the Norwegian model.
Implement a science boost throughout the education
Tomorrow's challenges require that we have more wise science minds. Today, too few choose science subjects and the results in school are too poor. The pupils must encounter science subjects earlier, with more practical and exploratory teaching that provides both mastery and motivation. Schools need a science boost that invests in teachers, creates curiosity and recruits more students to science subjects, especially girls.
Use the long-term plan for the defence sector to strengthen cooperation, business and technology development
Stronger civil-military cooperation is crucial for strengthening local and national preparedness in a turbulent time. The long-term plan calls for major investments and capacity increases. The Government must ensure that this benefits Norwegian business and industry.
Strengthen engineering and technology education
Norway is in the middle of the green and digital transition, and the labour market needs far more engineers and technologists. The number of study places in engineering and technology subjects must be increased, we need more relevant internships, and continuing and further education programmes must be strengthened for lifelong competence and learning.
Ensuring the municipalities' preparedness
The municipalities are the first line of key functions in water, sewerage, energy and health. Municipalities in Norway lack the resources and expertise to take care of these services well enough. Municipal finances must be strengthened to enable more investment and innovation in emergency preparedness work and ensure safe and sustainable infrastructure. This will also make it easier for the municipalities to attract the right professionals. At the same time, initiatives must be put in place for more cooperation across municipal boundaries in order to make better use of expertise
Reforming the AFP scheme
The current AFP scheme is perceived as outdated, unfair and excludes many who fall between the holes. NITO feels that this threatens support for collective agreements and weakens the line of work. The government must be a driving force in reforming the early retirement pension scheme into a fair scheme that fills the gaps, makes it sector-independent, and increases the state's contribution.
Strengthen Norway's role as an energy nation
Access to more green power is a prerequisite for the industry's development and strengthening green competitiveness. The government must increase access to power, and it must invest in increased development of renewable energy sources such as offshore wind, onshore wind, solar energy, the development of district heating and local solutions that can relieve the electricity grid.
Investing in green transition projects
Electrification of Melkøya and similar initiatives are crucial for Norwegian industry to have the predictability to manage the green transition and for Norway to achieve the climate goals. The Government must maintain and continue to invest in the green transition projects that have been adopted and are being developed.
Take control of digital infrastructure
The government has set itself the goal of Norway becoming the most digitalised country within the next five years. If we are to succeed, we must put in place a robust digital foundation with a national cloud service and data centres, data sharing that safeguards security and privacy, and a clear framework for responsible introduction and use of AI in working life.
Putting in place a technology boost in the healthcare system
Technology and expertise are crucial to ensure quality, capacity and preparedness in both normal and crisis situations. A technology boost must be put in place in the health service that safeguards patient safety, strengthens the quality of services and streamlines the use of resources.
Creating predictability for industry and business
The EEA Agreement and the trade agreement with the US are examples of long-term and predictable frameworks that give Norwegian companies access to important markets. The Government must take active steps to secure agreements with our most important trading partners so that Norwegian jobs, increased value creation and the predictability of the business sector are safeguarded.
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