NHK Annual Meeting Held in Reykjavík
05. June 2026NHK Annual Meeting Held in Reykjavík: Nordic Labour Market Challenges and Opportunities Discussed
Representatives of trade unions and employer organisations from across the Nordic countries gathered in Reykjavík on 2–3 June for the annual meeting of NHK (Nordiska Handelskommittén), the Nordic cooperation forum for the retail and commerce sector. The meeting provided an opportunity to review developments in each country, discuss common challenges and strengthen Nordic cooperation on issues affecting employees and employers alike.
Population Trends and Labour Market Participation
The first day of the meeting focused on the future of the Nordic region. Representatives from Nordregio, Maria Bobrinskaya and Hjördís Guðmundsdóttir, presented the findings of a new report examining demographic trends across the Nordic countries.
The report highlighted a significant slowdown in population growth throughout the region. Birth rates among people born and raised in the Nordic countries are now below the level required to maintain population numbers. Participants discussed the importance of supporting parents and creating conditions that make it easier to combine family life with participation in the labour market.
Access to affordable, high-quality childcare was identified as a key factor. As unions within the Commercial Federation of Iceland (LÍV) have repeatedly emphasised, early childhood education plays a vital role in enabling parents to remain in employment and participate fully in society.
Strong Nordic Cooperation
The second day began with NHK’s annual general meeting. No changes were made to the organisation’s Board.
Eiður Stefánsson, Leader of the Commercial Federation of Iceland, continues to serve on the NHK Board alongside representatives from Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. The organisation remains in a strong financial position and it was agreed that no membership fees would be collected during the coming year.
Positive Developments in Norway
Delegates reviewed labour market developments across the Nordic countries.
In Norway, retail employees recently secured important improvements in sickness pay provisions through new collective agreements. Under the previous system, employers paid only the first 14 days of sickness absence before responsibility transferred to the state. Delays in processing state payments, however, often created financial difficulties for employees.
The new agreements ensure that employers continue payments directly to employees and are later reimbursed by the state, providing greater financial security during periods of illness.
Challenges Across the Nordic Labour Market
Several countries reported ongoing challenges linked to recent European Court of Justice rulings affecting overtime and part-time work arrangements. Trade unions and employers have been working to adapt collective agreements to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
While negotiations have resulted in agreements in Denmark and Sweden, legal proceedings remain under way in both Norway and Finland.
Finland is currently experiencing the highest unemployment rate in Europe. Participants discussed the economic impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the consequences of sanctions on Russia, both of which have significantly affected the Finnish economy.
Trade union representatives in Finland and Sweden also expressed concerns about recent political developments, including measures that weaken workers’ rights and reduce the influence of trade unions in shaping labour market outcomes.
Concerns About Growing Inequality
Delegates also discussed broader political developments across the Nordic countries, including the growing support for far-right political movements.
Representatives warned that policies introduced by such parties have often led to cuts in social protections and increased social division. Participants agreed on the importance of protecting strong welfare systems and maintaining social cohesion throughout the Nordic region.
Technological Change and Skills Development
The rapid pace of technological change was another major topic of discussion.
Trade union representatives highlighted concerns about employee privacy, surveillance in the workplace and increasing expectations that workers remain constantly available outside normal working hours. Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that new technologies are implemented responsibly and in ways that respect the Nordic labour market model.
The meeting also underlined the importance of lifelong learning and skills development. As technological change continues to reshape the labour market, employees must have access to training and opportunities to develop new skills throughout their working lives.
Participants also discussed the need to strengthen the attractiveness of careers in retail and commerce and to promote greater recognition of the valuable contribution made by employees working in the sector.
More Than a Century of Nordic Cooperation
Cooperation between Nordic commerce unions dates back more than a century. Discussions on Icelandic participation began in 1938 and, following the establishment of the Commercial Federation of Iceland in 1957, LÍV formally joined the Nordic cooperation framework on 1 February 1960.
Today, NHK continues to provide an important platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and joint action on issues that affect employees throughout the Nordic region.