The unions realised that alone they could not adequately advance the interests of ordinary workers. They also needed a political tool, to make workers` interests present where legislation and other political decisions were made. For more than hundred years the Norwegian labour movement has had two branches, the trade union movement and the Labour Party.

A changing relationship

During this century the relationship between the party and the trade unions has been adjusted and adapted to a society in change. As traditional class antagonism has faded the party has seen a need to appeal to broader segments of society. The Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) is being challenged by other unions that do not identify themselves with the labour movement or any other political group. Thus, in recent years, the party and the LO unions have developed a relationship that is more independent of one another.

Joint committee

Although the character of the relationship has changed, there is still a close cooperation between the party and LO. However, the organisational and decision-making structures of the party and LO are separate and fully independent. The relationship is built on dialogue and consultations. The most important mechanism is a joint committee that is made up of the top leadership of the party and LO, which meets on a weekly basis. The committee discusses all important matters of common interest. Information and views are exchanged. However, the committee does not make decisions. To some extent such committees are operating on county and municipality level as well.

Party and trade union relations go far beyond top level structures. Many trade unionists are active in the party and vice versa. Informal cooperation is widespread. Recognising the important role of the party when union policies are to be carried out, LO and many affiliated unions give active support to the Labour Party in election campaigns, including financial contributions.

Collective membership abolished

Until 1997 members of local trade unions could be affiliated collectively to the Labour Party. At the highest, in 1952, the party had 91 500 collective members. This constituted a small minority of all LO members, but around half of the party members. The last year before the system of collective membership was abolished (1996) the number had dropped to 20 000. Today the party only has individual members.

Social reforms

Cooperation between the party and the trade union movement has led to a number of social reforms and has played an important role in shaping the Norwegian welfare state. Some examples: The introduction of a Worker Protection and Working Environment Act, industrial democracy, working hours regulations covering all workers, sickness benefit guaranteeing 100 per cent compensation during sick leave, 52 weeks paid parental leave, reforms of the education system making secondary education available to every 16-19-years-old.

In the nineties, an incomes policy, with a tripartite cooperation between the unions, employers and the Labour government (until October 1997), securing moderation in the annual collective bargaining, has highly contributed to a formidable recovery of the Norwegian economy. The incomes policy has managed to accomplish a combination of a considerable reduction of unemployment, low inflation and low interest rates, an increase in real wages and expansion of public services.

Labour Party and LO are working to reintroduce the incomes policy, in a situation where a conservative coalition government has led to new challenges for the Norwegian economy.