Care workers are employees – final court victory

Norway

After a three-year legal dispute, the Fagforbundet public services union has secured a major victory when the Supreme Court's Appeals Committee refused to consider an appeal by the Stendi care company over its claim that 22 workers were self-employed and not employees. Now the 22 members of the union are set to get an average pay out of more than NOK 1 million (€100000) and the company faces further legal claims from another 50 workers. Fagforbundet general secretary and EPSU president Mette Nord said: "Our 22 members have fought a tough battle in three courts. They have been poorly treated, underpaid and exploited by the employer. Therefore, it is wonderfully gratifying that they are now finally getting paid." The case should have major consequences for the entire sector as it emerged during the trial that Stendi operated in line with so-called "industry standards" and the union called for radical change in the private care industry.

Fagforbundet

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