1. When can work in excess of agreed working hours take place in Norway?
Work in excess of agreed working hours must not take place except when there is an exceptional and time-limited need for it.
2. How is overtime defined in Norway?
If work exceeds the limit prescribed by the Act for normal working hours, the time in excess is regarded as overtime.
Suggested: What is Company Overtime Policy?
3. What must the employer do before imposing overtime in Norway?
The employer shall, if possible, discuss the necessity of such work with the employees’ elected representatives before imposing overtime.
4. What are the standard limits for overtime in Norway?
Overtime work must not exceed ten hours per seven days, 25 hours per four consecutive weeks, or 200 hours during 52 weeks.
5. Can higher overtime limits be agreed through collective agreement in Norway?
The employer and the employees’ elected representatives in undertakings bound by a collective pay agreement may agree in writing on overtime not exceeding 20 hours per seven days and 50 hours per four consecutive weeks, but not more than 300 hours during 52 weeks.
Suggested: Why the PEACH Method Works Every Time
6. Can the Labour Inspection Authority permit additional overtime in Norway?
The Labour Inspection Authority may in special cases permit overtime not exceeding 25 hours per seven days or 200 hours during 26 weeks, and shall attach particular importance to the health and welfare of employees.
7. Can overtime above the standard limits be imposed on all employees in Norway?
Overtime in excess of the standard limit may only be imposed on employees who in each case have declared their willingness to perform such overtime.
8. What are the maximum total working hour limits including overtime in Norway?
Total working hours must not exceed 13 hours per 24 hours or 48 hours per seven days, and the weekly limit may be averaged over eight weeks within specified conditions.
Suggested: Top Applicant Tracking Systems in Norway
9. Can exceptions to the 13-hour daily limit be agreed in Norway?
The employer and employees’ elected representatives may agree in writing to exceptions from the 13-hour limit, provided total working hours do not exceed 16 hours per 24 hours and compensatory rest or other protection is ensured.
10. Can an employee refuse overtime for personal reasons in Norway?
An employee is entitled to exemption from overtime when requested for health reasons or weighty social reasons, and the employer must exempt the employee when the work can be postponed or performed by others without harm.
11. What overtime payment is required in Norway?
For overtime work a supplement shall be paid in addition to normal pay, and the overtime supplement shall be at least 40 per cent.
12. Can overtime be compensated with time off instead of pay in Norway?
The employer and the employee may agree in writing that overtime hours shall wholly or partly be taken out as off-duty time on agreed dates.
Suggested: An Overview of Hiring Trends in Norway
