The Council of Nordic Trade Unions, NFS, held its congress in Ålesund, Norway, on 17-19 September. The special theme of the congress was sustainable working life – from the economic, social and ecological point of view.
On this occasion, the NFS also celebrated its 40th anniversary and launched a publication on the history of Nordic labour movement through 40 years.
The guest speakers invited to the congress addressed issues concerning the welfare state in future, its new preconditions, challenges and global sustainability. Increased individualism, as well as social resilience (the ability of groups to cope with external stress) in a high-performance society were further issues discussed by the speakers.
The Congress focused on sustainable development, including the NFS Executive Board’s declaration on solutions for a sustainable future, which shows that the joint trade union movement of the Nordic countries is prepared to assume the responsibility for the transition to green jobs and a sustainable labour market. In this work, our successful Nordic model and cooperation will play a key role even in the future, says Mr Mikael Nilsson, trade union official at the LO International Department.
Another much appreciated guest speaker was the new ILO Director-General, Mr Guy Ryder, with a background in the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). He seized the opportunity to express his gratitude for the Nordic trade union organisations’ support in connection with his candidacy for a new director-general. Mr Ryder will begin his term of office in October.
The Congress adopted two statements. One addressed to Eritrea’s President demanding the immediate release of the imprisoned Swedish journalist Dawit Isaak, and the other statement giving support to the Norwegian health care workers striking for better wage conditions.
Nordic Trade Unions’ congress focused on sustainable working life
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