Solidarity and optimism

Following the corona virus outbreak in Norway, Parat has been taking a leading role and we quickly predicted the consequences the pandemic would have, and has had, for businesses and workers across the country.

TEXST: HELENE HUSEBØ

In March we organised a digital concert in order to spread joy, hope and optimism in what for many are difficult times. From left opera singer Thomas Ruud and pianist Monica Tomescu-Rohde. Photograph: Vetle Daler

We have continuously been ahead when it comes to informing and ensuring that VEFF’s members stay up to date regarding their rights as workers throughout these difficult times.

As early as 4 March, Parat published a press release about your rights as an employee during the pandemic, in which we addressed potential issues such as lay-offs, terminations and payment of unemployment benefits. Throughout these difficult times, we have been working hard to ensure that our members, VEFF’s members and the public are aware of their legal rights as workers. Our legal department has regularly hosted webinars, where Parat’s solicitors have walked the participants through key legal advice and answered live questions. We hope and believe VEFF’s members also in the future will make use of this service.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been pushing for financial support for businesses across all industries. On 6 March, Parat urged the Government to come up with financial care packages for businesses and corporations in order to provide security for all employees and workers, including all freelance workers. Later that week, the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Exchequer announced that they were considering what financial measures would be put in place in order to minimise the economic consequences of the pandemic. The financial care packages that were put in place following this has been of great importance to many businesses and workers, including DNV GL employees.

We have since pushed for further financial support for particularly vulnerable industries, and our voice has been heard and our recommendations have been noted. Parat’s leader, Unn Kristin Olsen, has repeatedly voiced her concerns in national news media regarding the aviation industry in particular, as well as the uncertainty concerning pension laws and unemployment benefits. Parat’s main concern during this time has been to raise, assist and direct attention to workers’ and employees’ worries, issues and struggles as a consequence of the pandemic.

On 18 March, in order to boost morale and encourage optimism and positivity, Parat gathered audiences online for a concert organised in solidarity with everyone who had been laid off or lost their jobs, health care workers and other vulnerable groups. “Parat is working hard to help our members and others who now find themselves in a difficult situation. At the same time, by organising this concert, we are trying to spread joy, hope and optimism”, said Parat’s leader Unn Kristin Olsen, at the time. Opera singer Thomas Ruud and pianist Monica Tomescu-Rohde put on a beautiful show for everyone that tuned in online.

VEFF

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