Every year, many foreign seasonal workers come to Norway to work in agriculture. According to the Norwegian Directorate of Agriculture, the sector needs around 18 seasonal workers. Many of them come from Eastern European countries, but also from countries outside Europe, such as Vietnam, Thailand or the Philippines.
– Foreign seasonal workers are a particularly vulnerable group. Many do not know the language, rules and laws in Norway. That is why we prioritize oversight of this sector, which attracts several thousand foreign workers every year, says department director Torgeir Moholt in the crime department of the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate.
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How farmers can comply with applicable regulations
In an information letter recently sent to the industry, the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate informs how farmers can comply with applicable regulations and what the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate checks during this year's inspection in the industry. The letter was sent to farmers and their organizations.
Inspections in agriculture will be carried out throughout the country from June to August/September. The target group of this year's inspection are enterprises engaged in particularly labour-intensive fruit and vegetable production. There is a need for many seasonal workers there.
“We rely on industry knowledge, local knowledge and any guidance we receive when deciding where to go for inspections. In addition, we collect information from others who are in contact with the industry, such as the Norwegian Immigration Authority and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, says Torgeir Moholt.
– We want to carry out inspections where we are most needed.
Counseling is an important part of control
What the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate will check during this year's inspection of the industry
- whether a written employment contract has been concluded with the employees. Find employment contract templates
- whether general wage requirements are met. We would like to remind you that on June 15, the new minimum wage rates were in force. Read about the minimum wage
- whether the salary is paid to the employee's account
- whether working time requirements are respected. Read about working hours
- whether the accommodation provided by the employer to employees is sound and compliant. Read about staff accommodation requirements
During inspections, the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate conducts talks with both employers and employees. Guidance is an important part of the inspection and the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate has brochures in several languages to be distributed to workers.
The industry has taken good steps
The Norwegian Labor Inspectorate works well with agricultural organisations. It also states that the vast majority of employers want to offer their employees legal wages and working conditions.
In recent years, the agricultural sector itself has taken many important steps to raise awareness of the rules, including by offering farmers courses for employers.
“When, nevertheless, we come across individual players who are insufficiently familiar with the regulations or consciously try to circumvent them, it is not only in the interest of employees, but also in the industry as a whole. Torgeir Moholt believes that Norwegian farmers offering legal wages and working conditions to foreign workers is crucial to their reputation and a level playing field for all.
The Norwegian Gardeners' Association is one of the organizations with which the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate cooperates. The association says the industry benefits from a good knowledge of the rules.
“Norwegian vegetable growers are generally good employers and very aware of their responsibilities. The industry has taken several steps in recent years and employers have made an impressive effort to attend courses, request information and seek professional advice as part of their employer responsibilities, says Tove Ladstein, responsible for professional life at the Norwegian Gardeners Association.
“For good production and fair competition, it is essential that producers are attractive employers,” says Ladstein.
Questions or tips? Contact the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate!
If you have any questions regarding the regulations, please contact the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate. We also expect guidance in the event of suspected inappropriate conditions or violations of health and safety regulations. Contact with the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate: Contact us
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Source: Norwegian Labor Inspectorate
