TRADE UNIONS AND THE NORWEGIAN COMPETENCE REFORM

Abstract

This article examines the role of unions in learning in Norway, specifically that of the lead union confederation, Landsorganisasjonen i Norge (LO). The article argues that while many of the conditions for effective union involvement in policy formation existed in Norway, weaker union structures at the local level constrained its implementation, as did a degree of employer antagonism and employee apathy. This suggests that analysis of union roles in learning and skills systems should pay as much attention to micro-level as macro-level concerns.