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The details of the proposed solution to the compensation issue are unclear, but according to Norwegian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Torbjørn Røe Isaksen, work is a high priority.
– With increasing infection rates in Norway, we can expect strict restrictions on entry for a longer period of time. So it is important to give a touch to the workers in the EEA area who have been affected by the closed borders, says Røe Isaksen to the Norwegian news agency NTB.
It was January 29 as Norway closed the border to all border travelers who were not considered to have jobs of social importance. This meant that thousands of Swedes were unable to go to their jobs. They also did not receive their salary and were not awarded compensation as an unemployment fund.
After strong protests from the victims, the union and the Swedish government, the rules were changed as of Monday so that commuters could cross the border. Those who travel weekly, however, are still unable to be at work and many affected Swedes have demanded compensation from the Norwegian state.
It is a solution that the Norwegian government is now outlining. On Friday morning, there was no information on whether the Norwegian government intends to provide financial compensation to those who were left totally or partially unpaid in February.
Røe Isaksen has pointed out that it is not possible to change the law only for Swedes and Finns without the law having to apply to all workers in the EEA.
Eva Nordmark, Swedish Labor Minister, who after a previous meeting with her Norwegian colleague expressed her great disappointment that no solution has been put in place, is pleased with the message that has now come through.
– I am very happy with the message from Norway and see it as a receipt for our good Nordic cooperation. It means a lot to all border travelers who have worried about how to pay their bills, but it is also important for the future development of the Nordic border regions, Nordmark writes in an email to DN.
