Your Rights and Duties as an Employee in Norway

The Working Environment Act applies to employees working in Norway, regardless of nationality. Many of your rights cannot be signed away in a contract.

Your basic rights

• A written employment contract. You are always entitled to one, and the pay is agreed in it.
• Minimum wage in certain sectors. Some industries have a legal minimum rate.
• To know when and how much you will work. Working hours, breaks and time off are regulated.
• A proper working environment. Your employer is responsible for health and safety at work.
• To raise safety concerns with your employer, a safety representative, or the Labour Inspection Authority.
• To join a trade union.

Your duties

• Cooperate with your employer and colleagues to keep the workplace safe.
• Use equipment and protective gear correctly and do not misuse it.
• Tell your employer about hazards, and about health issues that could put others at risk.

If something is wrong

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) supervises working conditions. You can report poor working conditions through its reporting tool, which is available in Norwegian and English. Its Service Centre for Foreign Workers answers general questions about workers’ rights and responsibilities.

Official sources

• Arbeidstilsynet, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority
• Working in Norway: rights and obligations (Ny i Norge)