How to start a business group?
To start a business group, you only need two to three NITO members. Learn how to proceed, what you can achieve, and who to contact for help.
What is a business group?
A company group is a gathering of NITO members at the same workplace. The group works together to safeguard the members' interests vis-Ã -vis employers, whether it concerns wages, working conditions, professional development or co-determination in reorganisations. The company group promotes the interests of engineers in the workplace. It gives you a formal voice in matters that concern you, and the right to negotiate and be heard.
How many do we have to be?
It doesn't take many to get started. The number depends on which employer organization your company belongs to:
| Business Type | Minimum number of members |
| NHO, Spekter, Virke or Finance Norway | 3 |
| Private enterprises without an employers' association | 2 |
| Central and local government | 2 |
Does it cost anything?
Establishing a business group at your workplace is completely free. NITO helps you get started.
To start a business group
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Finn ut om dere er nok
Sjekk om det finnes andre NITO-medlemmer på arbeidsplassen din. Hvor mange dere må være, avhenger av hvilken arbeidsgiverorganisasjon virksomheten tilhører:
- Minst tre medlemmer i virksomheter tilknyttet NHO, Spekter, Virke eller Finans Norge
- Minst to medlemmer i private virksomheter uten arbeidsgiverforening, og i stat og kommune
Vet du ikke hvilken kategori din arbeidsgiver tilhører? Din bedriftsgrupperådgiver i NITO hjelper deg å finne ut av det.
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Snakk med kollegene
Ta en uformell prat med NITO-kollegene dine. Hva er de opptatt av? Lønn, arbeidsvilkår, faglig utvikling? Å ha en felles sak å jobbe for gjør det enklere å engasjere folk og holde gruppen aktiv over tid.
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Meld fra til NITO
Når dere er klare, eller har spørsmål, tar dere kontakt med nærmeste bedriftsgrupperådgiver i NITO. De hjelper dere med alt det praktiske: registrering, rettigheter og hva dere kan kreve av arbeidsgiver. Dere trenger ikke ha alt på plass før dere tar kontakt. Det er nettopp derfor rådgiverne er der.
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Kom i gang
Når gruppen er etablert, har dere rett til å forhandle lønn lokalt, bli involvert ved omorganiseringer og nedbemanning, og jobbe for bedre arbeidsvilkår på vegne av alle NITO-medlemmene på arbeidsplassen. NITO støtter dere videre med kurs, nettverk og faglig rådgivning.
What are the benefits of setting up a business group?
Influence
A company group gives employees the opportunity to influence decisions made in the company, such as salary negotiations, working conditions and the working environment
Mouthpiece
The group acts as a common voice to the company's management, and provides greater impact than individual members
Insight and participation
Members gain better insight into the company's plans and operations, including any reorganizations or downsizing, and the company group ensures that members are given a say in local issues and processes.
Strengthening interests
A company group creates a common point of view for employees, and provides the opportunity to raise common problems and proposed solutions to management. The group safeguards the interests and rights of its members and ensures that they are heard in various matters, including personnel matters and conflicts
Better communication
Company groups can contribute to better communication, collaboration and development in the workplace
Contact your nearest business group advisor
Silje Stokke
Business Group Advisor, Region East
Marielle Andersson
Business Group Advisor, Oslo and Akershus
Bjørn Wannebo
Business Group Advisor, Central Region
Ingrid Aunegård
Business Group Advisor, Region North
Lars-Petter Jevnaker
Business Group Advisor, Region West
Tor Asbjørn Bjørnstad
Business Group Advisor, Region South