A growing number of employees in Norway are taking legal action to recover unpaid overtime wages. The trend follows tighter labor laws and increased awareness of workers' rights. Last month, a case involving a 25-year-old part-time employee drew attention after she demanded compensation for overtime worked over three years.
Siri Olsen started her job in 2021 under a part-time contract. Over the next three years, she logged nearly 1,700 extra hours beyond her contracted hours. Her employer, Match, had classified her role as part-time with a set percentage of full-time hours. Olsen argues those hours were not voluntary and should have been compensated as overtime.
Norwegian labor law requires employers to pay for hours worked beyond the agreed contract, unless such work was explicitly voluntary. Olsen's case highlights disputes over what constitutes voluntary extra work. Her lawyer confirms she has filed a claim for more than 180,000 kroner in unpaid wages.
Match has not publicly commented on the case. The company operates in retail and services, sectors known for fluctuating workloads. Labor advocates say such disputes are becoming more common as workers review old contracts and demand fair pay. Olsen’s case may set a precedent for similar claims.
The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority reports a rise in wage disputes involving part-time and temporary workers. Last year, nearly 400 cases were filed over unpaid overtime, up from 280 in 2022.
Source: e24.no