Norwegian Midwives and Nurses Demand Overtime Pay for Part-Time Shifts, Sparking Legal Battles

A growing dispute in Norway centers on whether part-time nurses and midwives should receive overtime pay from the first extra hour worked, rather than only after reaching a full-time workweek. The conflict, fueled by recent EU judgments and spearheaded by the Norwegian Nurses Organisation (NNO), is leading to mass lawsuits against hospitals and raising concerns about the cost of labor for employers.

The “Part-Time Trap” and the Fight for Fair Compensation

Cathrin Louisa Utklev, a midwife working a 75 percent position in Telemark, experienced this issue firsthand. Despite being called in on Christmas Eve, she was only paid her regular hourly rate, as her part-time status meant she didn’t qualify for the overtime supplement afforded to full-time employees. “I experience that when you get an order, you just have to take it and accept it,” Utklev stated. “That is how it is in our profession…The order is what applies.”

The core of the disagreement lies in the distinction between mertid (overtime) and overtime in Norwegian labor law. Mertid applies to extra hours worked by part-time employees up to the threshold of a full workweek, compensated at the standard hourly rate. Overtime, with its higher supplement, only kicks in once a standard workweek (typically 40 or 37.5 hours) is exceeded, or after nine hours in a single day.

The NNO, representing over 130,000 nurses, midwives and nursing students , argues this system is discriminatory. They are citing recent EU judgments that suggest requiring part-time employees to work a full-time week before receiving overtime pay is illegal. The NNO is demanding overtime pay be applied from the first hour beyond an employee’s agreed-upon percentage of employment.

Legal Challenges and Potential Consequences

The NNO has filed mass lawsuits against hospitals in Telemark, Innlandet, and Østfold. Separately, André Kaldal, a Coop Bygg employee, is seeking NOK 328,000 in back-paid overtime for hours worked beyond his part-time contract, with support from the National Organization in Norway (LO). A verdict in Kaldal’s case is expected soon, and the LO anticipates an appeal regardless of the outcome due to the case’s significant implications.

If successful, these legal challenges could lead to improved working conditions and greater predictability for part-time employees. LO lawyer Lornts Nagelhus believes it’s “the most important issue in order to promote higher job percentages and a salary to live on.” UNIO and YS are also supporting lawsuits on the same issue.

Employer Concerns and Government Review

The employers’ organization NHO has expressed concern that a victory for the employees could discourage full-time employment. Alexander Cascio, department director in NHO’s legal department, warned that it could become “more profitable to work part-time than full-time,” potentially creating conflict among employees. He suggested that full-time employees might resent part-time workers earning more for extra shifts.

The Norwegian government has established a committee to assess the impact of EU judgments on Norwegian legislation, with a report expected later in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Part-time nurses and midwives in Norway are challenging the current overtime pay system.
• The NNO argues the existing rules are discriminatory and violate EU law.
• Mass lawsuits have been filed against hospitals seeking overtime pay from the first extra hour.
• Employers fear that a change in the rules could discourage full-time employment.
• A government committee is reviewing the issue and will report in 2026.