Best Wage & Hour Lawyers in Moss

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.


Founded in 1994
8 people in their team
English
Advokatfirmaet Pedersen, Reier & Co AS is a Norwegian law firm based in Moss with a long standing presence in the Ostfold region. The firm concentrates on advising corporate and private clients across civil and commercial matters, including employment law, real estate, contract law and dispute...
AS SEEN ON

1. About Wage & Hour Law in Moss, Norway

Wage and hour law in Moss, Norway, operates under national statutes and is enforced by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, known as Arbeidstilsynet. In Norway there is no general minimum wage; wages are typically set by sector-wide collective agreements or individual contracts. This means that the exact pay and overtime rules can depend on your industry and whether your employer is bound by a tariffavtale (collective agreement).

In Moss, as across Norway, working time, rest periods, and safety are governed by the Working Environment Act and related regulations. Local practice is shaped by sector agreements and the terms of your employment contract. For most workers, the practical rules about hours, overtime, vacation, and pay hinge on these national rules and any applicable collective agreements.

Understanding your rights in Moss starts with knowing the core framework: mandatory rest, limits on ordinary working hours, and the obligation to compensate overtime when applicable. A local advokat (Norwegian solicitor) with wage and hour experience can tailor this framework to your sector and your job in Moss.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • Unpaid wages for work performed in Moss. A retail or service employer in Moss delays payment, or withholds parts of wages after the payday, leaving you with less than earned. An advokat can assess whether your pay slips and time records justify back pay and help you pursue a claim.

  • Overtime not paid or miscalculated. If you routinely work beyond your scheduled hours in a Moss construction site or logistics hub and are not properly compensated, you may have a wage loss. A wage and hour solicitor can review overtime premiums and seek back pay, plus clarify the correct rate under applicable tariffavtaler.

  • Terminations with insufficient notice or severance. If you are dismissed in Moss without proper notice or severance, an attorney can determine if the termination complies with the Arbeidsmiljøloven and Ferieloven requirements and negotiate appropriate remedies.

  • Holiday pay and vacation rights. Miscalculation or denial of feriepenge (holiday pay) after leaving a Moss employer is a common issue. A lawyer can verify accrual, carryover rules, and payment timing under Ferieloven and any tariffavtale.

  • Safety or rest period violations affecting pay. If unsafe working conditions lead to missed rest breaks or night work penalties, an advokat can help pursue remedies under the Working Environment Act and related regulations.

  • Industry-specific collective agreements. In Moss, many private sector employers are bound by tariffavtaler that include specialized rules on hours, shifts, and premiums. If you are covered by a sector agreement, a lawyer can interpret breakthrough provisions and enforce them in your favor.

3. Local Laws Overview

Norway relies on a small set of core statutes for wage and hour matters, complemented by sector agreements. Here are two to three key laws by name with context for Moss residents:

  • Arbeidsmiljøloven (The Working Environment Act) - Governs health, safety, working hours, rest, and general employment conditions. It forms the backbone of wage and hour rights and is administered with support from Arbeidstilsynet. Recent updates focus on clarified rest periods, night work rules, and limits on hazardous shifts.
  • Ferieloven (The Holiday Act) - Sets rules for annual leave and holiday pay. This act determines how much vacation time you earn, how it is scheduled, and how feriepenge are calculated and paid when you switch jobs or leave Moss employers. The act has undergone refinements to align holiday pay with changes in leave entitlement.
  • Tariffavtaler / Collective agreements - While not a single statute, tariffavtaler govern wages, overtime premiums, shift arrangements, and other conditions in many Moss employers. Coverage varies by sector and employer, and extensions may apply under certain circumstances. Always check the applicable collective agreement for your job and sector.

There is no general national minimum wage in Norway; wages are primarily determined by sector-wide collective agreements or individual contracts.

Arbeidstilsynet

In practice, working hours and overtime are regulated by the Working Environment Act in combination with any sector agreements that apply to your employer.

Regjeringen (Norwegian Government)

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes overtime under Norwegian law?

Overtime occurs when you work more than the ordinary working hours defined by your contract or applicable collective agreement. Overtime must be compensated with a premium or extra pay, and in some cases must be approved by your employer in advance.

How do I file a wage claim in Moss?

Begin by collecting pay slips, time records, and your contract. Contact your employer and then the local Arbeidstilsynet if the issue is not resolved. An advokat can help draft a formal claim and represent you in negotiations or court if needed.

When does overtime pay apply in my shift pattern?

Overtime pay generally applies when hours exceed the limits set in the Working Environment Act or your tariffavtale. The exact premium rate depends on your sector and contract terms.

Where can I report wage violations in Moss?

You can report wage violations to Arbeidstilsynet, which investigates complaints about pay, working conditions, and safety. They may guide you on next steps and enforcement options.

Why is holiday pay important for employees in Moss?

Holiday pay protects you while you take annual leave and ensures you receive compensation during your time off. Ferieloven sets rules for how feriepenge are earned and paid upon leave or termination.

Can I sue my employer for unpaid wages in Moss?

Yes, you can pursue legal action with the help of a wage and hour solicitor if an employer refuses to pay earned wages. The process may involve negotiations, administrative remedies, and potentially court proceedings.

Should I hire a wage & hour lawyer for a small claim?

For small claims, an initial consult can help you evaluate options and potential costs. A lawyer can also advise if a formal claim is cost-effective or if a settlement is preferable.

Do I need evidence to claim back pay?

Yes. Gather pay slips, time sheets, emails, and any written contracts. Documentation strengthens your claim and helps determine the correct amount owed.

Is there a time limit to file a wage claim in Moss?

Yes. Time limits can vary by claim type and jurisdiction, but delays may jeopardize your rights. Consult a local advokat as soon as you discover the issue to protect your claim.

What is the difference between an advokat and a solicitor in Norway?

In Norway, the professional term is advokat for a licensed lawyer. An advokat provides legal representation and advice before courts and in disputes; a solicitor is used more in some common-law jurisdictions and may refer to a legal practitioner who can give legal advice in Norway as well.

How much do wage & hour lawyers charge in Moss?

Fees vary by case, experience, and complexity. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation at a fixed rate or free. A typical contingency or hourly rate applies if the matter proceeds to court or settlement negotiations.

What is a collective agreement and how does it affect pay in Moss?

A collective agreement (tariffavtale) is negotiated between unions and employers for a sector or company. It often sets minimum wages, overtime rates, and shift rules that apply if you are covered by the agreement.

Can labor authorities help if a contract is terminated without notice in Moss?

Yes. If notice requirements in the Arbeidsmiljøloven or Ferieloven are not met, Arbeidstilsynet or a lawyer can assess remedies, which may include back pay, compensation, or re-employment options depending on the case.

5. Additional Resources

  • Arbeidstilsynet - The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. They supervise and provide guidance on working conditions, hours, safety, and pay. Official site: arbeidstilsynet.no
  • Regjeringen - The Norwegian Government. Contains information on the Arbeidsmiljøloven and Ferieloven, including official pages for legal changes and explanations. Official site: regjeringen.no
  • Advokatforeningen - The Norwegian Bar Association. Use their directory to find an advokat with wage and hour expertise in Moss. Official site: advokatforeningen.no
  • NAV - The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. Provides information on work rights, sick pay, and unemployment benefits related to wages. Official site: nav.no
  • Statistics Norway (SSB) - Data on employment relationships, collective agreements coverage, and related trends. Official site: ssb.no

6. Next Steps

  1. Clarify your wage and hour issue by writing a one-page summary of what happened, when, and who was involved. Do this within 3-5 days to keep momentum.

  2. Gather evidence including pay slips, time sheets, contracts, emails, and any company policies. Collect material from Moss colleagues if possible and relevant to your case.

  3. Identify a local wage and hour specialist in Moss using the Advokatforeningen directory or referrals from trusted sources. Aim to shortlist 3 candidates within 1-2 weeks.

  4. Check credentials and fees for each candidate, confirm language needs, and ask about estimated timelines and costs. Schedule initial consultations within 2 weeks of shortlisting.

  5. Schedule and prepare for consultations with your top 2-3 options. Bring all evidence and a list of questions about process, costs, and likely outcomes. Expect initial meetings to take 60-90 minutes.

  6. Decide on engagement and sign a retainer if you are comfortable. Agree on billing structure, communication frequency, and milestones for updates. Plan for a 6-12 week assessment window if the matter is straightforward.

  7. Implement a plan and monitor progress with regular updates from your lawyer. Be prepared for possible settlement talks or formal proceedings if negotiations stall.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Moss through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Wage & Hour, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Moss, Norway - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.