Spring Lecture, 1934: Who Rules in Norway?

Extract from a lecture in the spring of 1934.

By Dr. Gulbrand Lunde.

Under normal conditions, the workplace must be open to members of the National Organization, regardless of which federation or association they belong to. The same applies to unorganized workers who have not acted against the organization’s principles and are willing to stand alongside their organized comrades.

This proposal, which will soon be submitted to the trade congress, has been accepted by the National Organization’s secretariat. It states:

“One must not refuse to work with unorganized workers when they wish to organize, unless the individual in question has acted against the organization’s decisions. The concerned workers must arrange their membership in the association as soon as they begin work.”

One might be tempted to ask: Who governs Norway? Is it part of the state, represented by the Norwegian government, or is it the National Professional Association?

Furthermore, I believe that the average person, especially workers, may not fully grasp the implications of the statements mentioned above.

The trade unions, originally formed as associations of workers in the same trade to safeguard their common interests, have undoubtedly contributed to improving workers’ conditions. However, over time, they have transformed into something quite different. The national organization has evolved into a labor monopoly, capable of excluding “non-solidarity” workers from workplaces.

While trade unions initially served as a means for workers, the relationship has now reversed—the workers have become a means for the trade union, compelled to dance to the organization’s tune.

Isn’t it time for the common man to realize where this is heading?

Shouldn’t our leadership prioritize the most crucial task: ensuring freedom of work in the country and securing our countrymen’s basic right to provide for themselves and their families through work?

Imperceptibly, the state has relinquished this right to another entity—the national organization, which now serves as a mere tool for the international revolution.

Moreover, the National Organization has partially assumed judicial authority, ensuring the execution of judgments by employing appropriate means to prevent the “disobedient” from obtaining employment.

A system that has allowed things to progress this far within an orderly legal society has, in reality, condemned itself. It has demonstrated its inability to serve as the foundation for a people’s rule.

The only way forward, if our people are to avoid sacrifice and revolution, is to create a powerful national government independent of party politics.

Trade unions must become apolitical and open to all. When trade unions cease to be political tools and focus solely on tasks that serve skilled workers, the contingent—currently engaged mainly in political agitation—could also be significantly reduced. Additionally, trade unions must be more closely linked to the state, as stated in NS’s program, point 2:

The nation’s cultural and business life should be organized through self-governing, legalized professional associations (guilds) that serve as a bridge between individuals and the state, under the state’s control. A council of trade unions should be established, with influence over the government of the kingdom.

In conjunction with this organization of the business world, a labor law must be adopted. This law would define the rights and duties of employers and wage earners, outline their mutual cooperation, and establish procedures for resolving disputes related to working life. To safeguard companies and their officials and workers from abuse, changes should also be made to stock exchange and share laws, with increased personal responsibility for management (NS’ program, point 11).

By implementing these measures, lockouts and strikes can be rendered obsolete.

Everyone will be able to rally around the common goal of building our country, utilizing all our national resources for the benefit of the entire population through united cooperation.