The Norwegian government and the parties in the public sector have reached an agreement on the pension rules for those with special age limits.

Commenting on the agreement, Norwegian Minister for Employment and Inclusion, Marte Mjøs Persen, said: “Both the government and the parties have gone to great lengths to reach an agreement. I am proud of the work we have done together and the agreement we have reached.”

The agreement, which will apply to over 200,000 workers, acknowledges that although people are living longer, so people must work longer, for some occupations, it is necessary to retire earlier. It will cover all public servants born in 1963 or later. However, it is yet to be clarified which occupational groups it will cover and what age limits will apply.

Instead, Mjøs Persen explained that the agreement ensures the pension level of large groups of public employees who retire earlier.

The current compulsory retirement age limit in Norway is 70 but for some professions this is lower and is known as the special age limit. Special age limits are in place for occupations that place significant mental or physical demands on the person, which are weakened by age.

Currently the police, firefighters and defence personnel (60 years), correctional services (63 years), and health personnel (65 years) have special age limits.

Talks began in June this year and included the government, KS, Spekter, LO, Unio, the Academics and YS. The agreement must now be incorporated into legislation, with clarification on the specific rules. The deadline for this process is 1 July 2024.

Share Story: