Power over working time

Abstract

How access to power resources could explain trade unions’ success and failure advocating for shorter working time. Regulating working time has been one of the core tasks of the Nordic trade unions from their inception and until today. In Norway, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) has been in the front seat in former working time reforms. The last major working time reduction came in 1986, when working hours were reduced to 37.5 hours per week. Since women fully entered the labour market in the 1970s and 80s, the female-dominated unions affiliated to LO in particular, have advocated for the introduction of the six-hour working day. But here there is less support to be had from the male-dominated federations. In this article, we look at how access to different power resources can explain why trade unions succeed or fail to push through demands for shorter working hours. The article is based on a review of literature, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions’ congress protocols and action program, as well as interviews with employees of eight of LO’s unions.