The Future of Nordic Labour Law

The overall impression the reader of the contributions included in this publication might get is that continuity and stability are the characteristic features of Nordic labour law. The reader might also note that the main fundamentals of Nordic labour law are the same today as they have been for many decades. The turbulence around the adaptation of EU-based regulations does not change this general picture of an almost idyllic, well functioning, traditional, industrial relations system based on collective bargaining. This general picture holds true when we are focussing on the institutional and structural framework of Nordic labour law. We should, however, not forget, that huge changes are taking place in the economic and societal framework in which Nordic labour law develops and that this will have an important impact in the future, on both its content and form. The aim of this last article in the volume presenting current Nordic Labour Law is to discuss the prospects for Nordic labour law in the future, as well as to point to some possible policies that could influence this future. After all, as labour lawyers we are also helping to shape the future and the author does not regard the destiny of Nordic labour law as predetermined.