The wage settlement in the state

"We have gained acceptance for what is most important: Thatthe salary is still distributed locally, by those who know the business best," says Kristian Botnen (pictured), head of NITO Stat. 

The financial framework is 4.4 per cent. This is on a par with the frontline profession and provides room for real wage growth.  

Local negotiations ensure the correct use of wage funds

The most important principle from the mediation is that all wage funds should continue to be distributed through local, collective negotiations. In this way, the parties in the individual enterprise can use the money as an active instrument where the needs are actually greatest. 

"It is the parties locally who actually know the challenges in their activities. This ensures responsible and accurate use of the state's wage funds," says Botnen. 

Changes to the agreement 

"We have used the negotiations to make the agreement better where possible. This is how a main settlement should be used," says Botnen. 

The employer will be responsible for competence development 

The employer undertakes to facilitate the employees' competence development. The local parties will discuss the competence policy, and the employee appraisal will be used actively. 

"Working life is constantly changing. This requires us to constantly update our expertise. The fact that the employer now has a clear responsibility for this makes it easier for the companies to deliver on their tasks. It also helps to make the state a more attractive workplace," says Botnen. 

Better pay for evening, weekend and night work 

The new agreement ensures that those who work outside regular working hours are paid better for the strain it entails. 

"We have members who do an invaluable job at times when others have time off. They deserve to be properly compensated. Higher supplements for inconvenient working hours are a concrete boost to this group," says Botnen. 

You can get more mortgage in SPK 

The limit for how much mortgage you can get from the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK) has been increased from NOK 2.3 million to NOK 2.8 million. 

"A higher loan limit in SPK is a real boost in the wallet for many of our members. It is a good addition to this year's settlement, says Botnen. 

Political interference is a bad thing 

Wage settlements take place between the social partners. The aim of the negotiations is to find solutions that, among other things, contribute to a competitive and adaptable public sector. The parties agree on the goal, and then we discuss and negotiate what measures are needed to get there. 

Political micromanagement is a serious challenge in the state settlement, also this year. In recent years, the government has laid down strong guidelines for all associations to be united around a centralised system.  

In the mediation, YS switched to the same collective agreement as Akademikerne and Unio. At the time of writing, the LO is still in mediation. 

"The political interference in the state settlement is an outrage. The Government prioritises political wishes over a competitive public sector. This weakens the state's ability to retain and recruit the expertise it needs to fulfil its social mission. We expect that there will now be no more rematches over the wage system," says Botnen.

What happens next? 

The local negotiations will be carried out in the autumn in the various central government agencies. It is in these negotiations that your final salary is determined. Local negotiations must be completed by 31 October.