Nordic Day: Highlighting the Nordic Model and Celebrating 70 Years of Common Nordic Labour Market

Tomorrow, March 23, marks Nordic Day, an important day worth celebrating. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the common Nordic labour market, which is the region’s cornerstone.

At the core of the Nordic identity lies the Nordic model, a distinct way of organising the Nordic countries that emphasise social dialogue and cooperation among trade unions, employer organisations, and governments. This tripartite system enables stakeholders to collaboratively negotiate labour market policies, wage agreements, and social welfare programs. For NFU, safeguarding and upholding the Nordic model is essential.

As we recognise the 70 years of the joint Nordic labour market, we also acknowledge NFU’s own milestone of reaching a century of existence, celebrated just last year. The foundation of NFU is based on Nordic cooperation. With over 125,000 members across its Nordic-affiliated unions, NFU stands solid and united.

At NFU’s 100th Anniversary conference last year, President Michael Budolfsen powerfully encapsulated the organisation’s values of cooperation, creativity, dialogue, and inclusion. He emphasised NFU´s belief in the strength of collective effort: “We can go further together than each of us can go individually”.

As we celebrate, it’s important to remember the challenges that Europe faces, including the emergence of right-wing extremist parties. Despite the increasingly bleak political landscape, the Nordic model serves as a source of inspiration, highlighting the strength of cooperation and inclusivity. It is now more vital than ever to continue upholding our Nordic shared values of democracy, human rights, equality, and sustainability.

There is a reason why the Nordic countries have consistently ranked high on the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report. The most recent report, released on March 20th, 2024, shows that Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden are the top four countries, with Norway close behind in seventh place. With that said, Happy Nordic Day 2024! Today, let us celebrate this important day and the enduring spirit of cooperation that continues to define the Nordic region and NFU.