New NITO top fears weakening of collective bargaining rights
Roger Matberg believes that the pressure against established rights in the collective agreements is increasing. Safeguarding the core values of the Norwegian model and local wage negotiations will be important for NITO's new head of negotiations.
"There is still room to further develop and improve our collective agreements. The competition for competent employees is great, and employers see that orderly working conditions and good conditions are important to attract and retain highly qualified employees," says Roger Matberg.
From 1 September, he will lead the negotiation work on behalf of more than 120,000 engineers and technologists in NITO.
Matberg believes that the value of the social partnership is becoming increasingly important.
"I hope the employers see the value of the participation of the union representatives to develop the companies and businesses. We must listen to the reasons when employers make their demands, in the same way that we expect them to listen to our demands.
We see that in several areas there is pressure on established rights and benefits in the collective agreements.
Roger Matberg
Worried about pressure on established rights
At the same time, Matberg points out that the collective agreements are under pressure in several places.
"We see that in several areas there is pressure on established rights and benefits in the collective agreements. At the same time, we must acknowledge that some provisions may be less relevant now than when they were included in the agreements. Society, working life and legislation are evolving, and we must also take this into account when we establish and revise agreements.
He nevertheless emphasizes that NITO will stand by the fundamental principles of the Norwegian working life model.
"It is important to protect the core values of the Norwegian model related to wage formation and co-determination. An organised labour market with a high level of collective bargaining coverage is not only good for our members, but for society as a whole. If this is challenged, we are prepared to put power behind our demands, both when it comes to establishing and revising collective agreements.
Will strengthen local wage negotiations
As the new head of negotiations, Matberg will continue to fight for local wage negotiations.
"NITO's wage policy is based on the fact that it is the local parties that best see how the salary distribution should take place. It is in the individual enterprise that responsibility, effort, competence and results can be assessed. Therefore, we believe that the salary should be determined locally to the greatest extent possible.
He points out that NITO's broad presence in working life gives the organisation a unique experience.
"The great advantage of NITO is that we have so many members in different sectors that we can confidently say that local negotiations work. Experience from the private sector is particularly important in this context.
Concerned about the development of the frontline trade model
At the same time, Matberg believes that developments in several tariff areas give cause for concern.
"Traditionally, the employer side has also seen the value of local negotiations, but I view the development in some collective bargaining areas with some scepticism. The practice of the frontline trade model undermines the room for manoeuvre that must be present in order to achieve the right wage formation.
He believes that local parties must take greater responsibility.
"When employers and union representatives stop thinking independently about what is right for their own business, and instead leave the outcome of the wage negotiations to someone else, you also relinquish control and responsibility. It is not wise in the long run. Local negotiations require responsible local parties. NITO is prepared to be so for our members, and we expect the employer side to be too. Then we will find good solutions together.
Will strengthen collective agreement coverage
Matberg highlights several important focus areas for NITO in the future.
"We are concerned that as many of our members as possible should be covered by collective agreements and have a union representative. This will continue to be a priority area for NITO.
He also points to the work on a new AFP scheme and the development of EU regulations as important issues in the years to come.
"Issues related to AFP, working hours, travel time and holidays will be of great importance to many of our members. These are areas where NITO will be a clear voice.