Yrkestrafikkforbundet supports the introduction of a separate EEA whistleblower law

The Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion has submitted for consultation a report from the law firm Lund & Co on the implementation of the EU's whistleblowing directive in Norwegian law.

Yrkestrafikkforbundet are positive about the introduction of a separate EEA whistleblower law as a supplement to the whistleblowing provisions of the Working Environment Act. The union emphasizes that it is very important that employees retain their whistleblower protection under the Working Environment Act, and that this is clearly stated in the new regulations.

YTF believes that the national scope for action should be used to strengthen whistleblower protection beyond the minimum requirements in the directive. Whistleblowing is an important tool for uncovering illegal, dangerous and reprehensible conditions.

The union is critical of the proposal to require that the whistleblower must have "reasonable reason to assume" that the circumstances are correct in order to have protection when making an external whistleblower complaint. YTF believes this could lead to fewer notifications, which would be unfortunate.

In conclusion, point YTF that the current requirement that reporting must be "responsible", and that the whistleblower himself bears the risk, creates uncertainty and may lead to fewer reports.