What does a union representative do, and what can they help you with at work?
NITO's 4500 union representatives know the conditions in their workplace. They represent the members against the employer and are always there when you need advice. Here are tips on what your union representative can help you with.
What does a union representative do?
Your union representative is the members' representative in cooperation with the management, in matters that concern their members. She is therefore familiar with issues and processes that take place in the workplace and has the opportunity to influence these.
NITO's union representatives also represent their members in the wage negotiations locally.
Union representatives have both rights and obligations, and have access to a number of courses exclusively for union representatives. The rules of the game for cooperation with management are laid down in collective agreements, which are different for different collective bargaining areas.
Salary and salary negotiations
Salary levels according to industry, sector and experience can be found in NITO's salary calculator. But it is your union representatives who know best what constitutes good pay in their workplace.
Your union representative represents NITO members in the annual salary negotiations with the employer. She can give you information about when and how the negotiations at your workplace take place, deadlines, etc.
Or maybe you're wondering:
- What other options do you have to ask for a higher salary?
- When will you be paid in arrears for this year's salary increase?
- Can my boss impose overtime on me?
Difficult things at work
Do you experience conflicts, domination techniques or discrimination at work? You can talk to your union representative if you find it difficult to bring this up with your manager in the first instance.
It is not certain that your union representative can solve the situation, but he can contribute as a sparring partner and help you take the case further - if you wish. He will also be able to take care of you along the way.
Contact your union representative
We recommend that you have a chat with your union representative, before you contact the NITO lawyers or submit a case. Knowledge of the conditions in the workplace is an important contribution to your case, even if it is passed on to the NITO lawyers.
You can make contact confidentially
It is safe to contact your union representative, you can do it in confidence. She does not proceed to the management with the case without your own consent. The role of your union representative is to safeguard the members, their interests and working conditions.
When something happens - reorganization, layoff, termination
When significant things happen that affect the employees, such as in the event of a reorganisation, the management must involve the employee representatives as early as possible. Your union representative will receive information from management about the purpose, scope and time frame of the reorganisation. In this way, union representatives contribute to clear and open communication between management and the employees.
There are rules that must be followed in processes such as layoffs, downsizing and dismissals. Your union representative helps to ensure the quality of the process and discusses, among other things, the timetable and criteria on behalf of you as members. The union representative can also join you in the discussion meeting.
What you should know before you go to a discussion meeting
Have you applied for a job at a new workplace? You can contact NITO's union representative there as well
Whether you are in job search mode or have received a job offer from a new employer, you as a member of NITO can contact our union representatives in the company where you have applied for a job. They know the workplace well and can answer you whether the salary you are offered is good compared to your new colleagues.
Do you wish you knew someone at your potential new workplace, who you could ask about the things you wouldn't ask a potential new employer about? Contact NITO's union representatives there.
Search for union representatives in other enterprises (log in)
What is the difference between a union representative and a safety representative?
A union representative is elected from among the NITO members in the workplace and represents their members in the collaboration with the employer. With your union representative, you follow up on issues related to employment, salary conditions, collective agreements and restructuring processes.
The safety representative is elected from among all employees and represents them in matters relating to health, safety and the environment (HSE) in the workplace. The safety representative is the employees' representative in the working environment committee (AMU).
Both union representatives and safety delegates are important representatives of employees in Norwegian working life. It's not a big deal if you're unsure which of these you should contact. They have different roles, but a good collaboration. Both can help channel your question where it belongs.
NITO is here when it matters
Many people do not know where to start when uncertainty arises in working life. As a trade union, we are here to give you security, support and concrete advice – when you need it most.
