Wage Theft in Norway: A Unique Approach with Limited Enforcement

• In Event: Rethinking Justice for Victims of Structural Harm and Exploitation

Abstract

Norway is among the few countries with a specific legal provision against wage theft, introduced to strengthen protections for workers, as part of broader work-related crime policies. However, enforcement remains weak. Few cases are reported, and most are dismissed by the police, with only rare exceptions leading to prosecution. Instead, wage disputes are typically resolved through private mediation or wage recovery mechanisms, placing the burden on workers to claim unpaid wages themselves.
This study examines the Norwegian approach by analyzing court rulings and interviewing legal professionals and experts in the field. Findings indicate that while the legal framework is unique, its practical impact is limited. Legal proceedings are complex, and migrant workers—who are overrepresented among victims—face additional barriers such as language difficulties and bureaucratic obstacles. Many struggle to navigate the system without assistance.
Private lawyers often avoid wage theft cases due to financial risks, leaving workers dependent on unions and volunteer organizations. This study explores why Norway’s criminalization of wage theft has had little effect and how structural barriers limit access to justice for migrant workers. By assessing the role of non-state actors, it contributes to criminological discussions on labor rights enforcement and the challenges of translating legal protections into real access to justice.

Author

• Synnøve Ø. Jahnsen, The Fafo Institute for Labour and Social Research