LO, the good Norwegian model

This is a leader. The leader expresses VG’s attitude. VG’s political editor is responsible for the leader.

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This week, LO gathers for a congress. There will be different opinions about the cases being processed, also among LO’s own members. But regardless of what one might think about LO’s view of oil extraction or pensions, it is obvious to most that Norway would have been different without a strong trade union movement.

It is in the area of ​​working life, and in the broad distribution policy, that LO plays an important role. In a world where both countries and people are more and more dependent on each other, LO’s international work is also of great importance.

Moscow jernhæl

But that LO, as a broad interest organization, should think something about the heated issue of an international ban on nuclear weapons, we wonder. Especially now. If LO during the congress this week votes for a proposal that Norway should work for such a ban, the congress will in reality vote for only the worst in the world to have nuclear weapons. And thus hold the rest of the world hostage.

Because no one believes that countries like North Korea, China and Russia will let go of their nuclear weapons. And especially now, after Russia has invaded neighboring Ukraine, and rattles off the nuclear threat, this will be a decision that testifies to the opposite of international solidarity.

For this is neither solidarity with Ukraine, nor with Russia’s vulnerable neighbors. Former Eastern bloc countries that have known Moscow’s iron heel, and which have now found security under NATO’s nuclear umbrella.

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It is also not a wise signal to send in a time where the West more than in a very long time needs to show strength and unity. No other NATO country has signed the UN Treaty on such a ban. Nuclear weapons are part of NATO’s defense strategy. Working for Norway to act contrary to NATO’s interests at a time like this is difficult to understand.

A good method

We can not see that such a decision earns LOs barely one million members. If LO is to maintain its position in Norwegian society, the organization must pursue a policy in which the members recognize themselves, which they feel represents them and their interests in a good way.

Norway needs a strong trade union movement. Employers also enjoy and benefit from it. There will always be conflicts of interest and contradictions. Both between different groups internally in the trade union movement, and between owners and employees.

Tripartite cooperation between employees, employers and the state is precisely a method of organizing conflict resolution. To get strong contradictions into orderly forms. Norway is fortunate, with structures that make it possible to find solutions that take into account all parties, and which at the same time safeguard the interests of the community.

Therefore, Norway benefits from the fact that as many employees as possible are organized, whether it is LO or some of the other large associations. We doubt whether decisions that come into conflict with Norwegian NATO membership are what give the trade union movement increased weight. Or more members.

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