Minister of Labor and Inclusion Tonje Brenna announces that the negotiations for a new agreement on inclusive working life (the IA agreement) have concluded. The work to reduce sick leave will continue.
– Sick leave must decrease. I was aware that the negotiations would be challenging, but I had hoped until the end that the parties would be willing to stretch themselves to reach an agreement. The fact that the parties in the labor market have not reached a new IA agreement does not mean that the work to reduce sick leave will stop,says Minister of labour and Inclusion Tonje Brenna.
Foto: Fredrik Varfjell/ NTB
Although the parties agree on most issues, disagreements regarding the mention of the sick leave payment scheme have resulted in the negotiations being concluded without a new agreement.
For the government, it has been significant that the efforts to reduce sick leave should occur without unsocial cuts affecting sick individuals. The current sick leave payment scheme will continue, even if the IA agreement is not extended. Workers in Norway will still receive full wages during illness.
Strengthening and continuing measures
The government will work concretely in the future for better and more targeted follow-up of sick leave. Much remains unchanged, even without an IA agreement, and the parties in the labor market will still have significant responsibilities for reducing sick leave.
– I am initiating work to improve the follow-up of sick leave. This will contribute to better compliance with the obligations in the regulations today. all employers, all employees, all who issue sick leave certificates, and NAV, have responsibilities and obligations that each must follow up on better, says Brenna.
The measures from the current IA agreement are included in the budget for next year and will be continued until further notice.This applies, such as, to industry programs and workplace surroundings initiatives. The follow-up of the sick leave work between the government and the parties will be conducted next year in the Labour and Pension Policy Council, where all major unions are represented.
Cooperation among the parties going forward
the IA agreement has framed the work of reducing sick leave since 2001. It has also been based on the premise that the current sick leave payment scheme should continue unless all parties agree on changes. With the IA agreement, the parties in the labor market have committed themselves to working for lower sick leave.
– Many businesses are doing well to reduce sick leave.Others can achieve much more. We must have a working life that can withstand the fact that not everyone is always 100 percent. Many fall out of the labor market for a long time. We need to reintegrate those who can still work – fully or partially, says Brenna.
The goal of the previous agreement was to reduce absenteeism by 10 percent compared to the level in 2018. This has not been achieved.
The current IA agreement is in effect until the end of the year. Starting in 2025, the work to reduce sick leave will need to be framed in a new way.
The government wishes that the continued dialogue with the parties regarding sick leave should take place through the Labour and Pension Policy Council.There, the parties already discuss central challenges in labor and pension policy.
Questions from the press can be directed to [email protected]
Other questions about inclusive working life going forward can be directed to [email protected]
What are the key components of the new IA agreement focused on reducing sick leave?
Time.news Interview: Minister of Labor and Inclusion tonje Brenna on the New IA Agreement
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Minister Tonje brenna. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent conclusion of the negotiations on the IA Agreement aimed at promoting inclusive working life. It truly seems like there has been a lot of anticipation around this topic. Can you share a bit about why the new IA Agreement is so critical at this moment?
Minister Tonje Brenna: Thank you for having me. The IA Agreement is crucial because it addresses a notable challenge in our workforce: the high rate of sick leave. With the changing dynamics of work and health, we need to create a more inclusive working habitat that supports employees while also ensuring that employers can thrive. By reducing sick leave, we not only enhance productivity but also improve overall job satisfaction.
Editor: That’s a valid point. You mentioned that the negotiations were challenging. What were some of the difficulties faced by the involved parties during the negotiation process?
Minister Brenna: Absolutely, negotiations were not without their obstacles. Aligning the interests of various stakeholders—unions, employer representatives, and government—requires finding common ground.There are often differing opinions on how to implement measures that balance workplace adaptability with the necessary support systems for employees. Balancing these needs, while also maintaining a commitment to reduce sick leave, proved to be quite complex.
Editor: It sounds like a delicate balancing act. moving forward, what specific strategies or measures are included in the new IA Agreement to tackle the issue of sick leave?
Minister Brenna: The agreement introduces a range of measures designed to bolster support for employees who might be at risk of long-term sick leave. These include promoting workplace adaptations, flexible working conditions, and increasing access to mental health resources. Additionally, we’re focusing on early intervention to identify issues before they led to extended sick leave. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel supported and encouraged to return to work healthily.
Editor: We often hear discussions about mental health in the workplace. how does the new IA Agreement address mental health, especially in relation to sick leave reduction?
Minister Brenna: Mental health is a major component of the new IA Agreement. We recognize that mental health issues can lead to long-term sick leave, and therefore, we’re advocating for proactive measures. This includes training for managers to recognize signs of mental health struggles, and also promoting a culture of openness where employees feel agreeable discussing their mental health. ensuring access to counseling and support services is also essential.
editor: those are significant steps.As we look to the future, how do you envision the impact of this new IA Agreement on the workforce?
Minister Brenna: I believe the impact could be transformative.If implemented effectively, we should see a reduction in sick leave, an betterment in employee well-being, and overall enhanced productivity. Moreover, it could lead to a shift in the workplace culture, where mutual support between employees and employers becomes the norm. Ultimately,our goal is to create a sustainable working life for everyone in our society.
Editor: Thank you, Minister Brenna, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that the new IA Agreement is an significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. We’ll be eager to track its progress and impact in the months to come.
Minister Brenna: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this critically important topic with you.