News and current topics from various practice areas and industries

Rune Mykkeltvedt and Liv Zimmermann have revised the Karnov legal commentary on the Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act.

A legislative amendment has granted the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority the power to impose significantly higher fines on businesses that violate the Working Environment Act. The fine, known as an administrative fee, can now be up to six million NOK or four percent of the company’s turnover. This change applies to all companies and enterprises.

Investigations are an examination method used in situations where there have been allegations of reprehensible conduct or claims thereof. With an increased focus on ethics and work environment, the number of investigations has risen, and many of them receive significant media attention.

In a groundbreaking ruling from the Labor Court on February 5, new light was shed on the legality of sympathy strikes in Norway, especially in cases involving foreign employers. The ruling, of above-average principled significance, provides important clarifications on the scope of the Main Agreement between LO (Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions) and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and sets a precedent for future labor disputes with international elements. With this ruling, workers’ rights are strengthened, enhancing the ability to enforce tariff demands against foreign employers in Norway.

As a consequence of the merger of courts following the judicial reform in 2021, several court leaders became redundant in their leadership roles. The affected positions were continued as judicial offices in the merged courts, but in a way that allowed the incumbents to retain their title and salary.

Recently, a series of interesting initiatives have been introduced with the goal of amplifying renewable energy production from solar power. At Hjort, we are closely monitoring this progressive and promising endeavor.

The first paragraph of section 14-9 in the Norwegian Working Environment Act establishes the fundamental principle regarding permanent employment. According to the Norwegian government, a high percentage of permanent employment will contribute to more productive, adaptable, and competitive businesses.

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents opportunities and challenges for businesses. While AI can offer significant benefits, and the risk of not implementing AI can also be perceived as high by many, it is crucial to understand and address the associated legal risks to ensure compliance and ethical AI development. Failure to adhere to legal requirements, or to take proper account of them when planning an AI strategy, can also limit an enterprise’s ability to harness the potential of AI.

As the number business enterprises in Norway have chosen to organize themselves into corporations or corporation-like structures increases, it became necessary to amend employment guidelines in the Working Environment Act.