Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the communication from the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) dated 25 September 2006.

1. Legislative developments. The Committee notes with interest the recent legislative developments with respect to the application of the Convention. It notes from the revision of the Working Environment Act (WEA) that employees are entitled to flexible working hours (section 10-2(3)) as well as a partial leave of absence for three years to care for a child (section 12-6). The WEA also extends the leave of absence for fathers to two weeks following the birth or adoption of a child (section 12-3) and gives greater rights to employees to take leave in case of a child’s illness or injury (section 12-9(4)). The Committee further notes the amendments to the National Insurance Act of 28 February 1997 concerning benefits in cases of maternity/paternity and adoption whereby fathers can receive parental and adoption benefits based on their own eligibility. It notes that in 2005, about 90 per cent of eligible fathers made use of their right to such benefits. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the amended Gender Equality Act of 2002 now explicitly prohibits differential treatment that would place a woman or man in a weaker position than they would otherwise be as a result of pregnancy, childbirth or leave of absence (section 3(2)). The Committee welcomes these developments and asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken in law and practice to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

2. Article 5 of the Convention. Childcare services. In its communication, the LO alleges that despite longstanding efforts, the number of available childcare centres is not sufficient to meet the needs of parents and that challenges remain, particularly in providing childcare for children under the age of three. In addition, the LO states that the shortage and high cost of pre-school places does not allow parents to choose the best care facilities for their children. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the availability of childcare facilities, including pre-school places, in relation to existing demand and whether any measures are planned or in place to improve the availability of childcare services for workers with family responsibilities.