1. Presentation of KS The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities

2. KS is an employers’ organisation, representing our members, the local and regional authorities: - 19 counties - 429 municipalities - 500 public enterprises A large sector with a total of 420 000 employees KS The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities

3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Norway was the first country in Europe to approve a local government act: the Alderman Act 1837 The association was founded in 1972 Amalgamation of Union of Cities from 1903 and Union of Rural Municipalities from 1923 Strong local government sector, with regards to mandate, budgets and tasks

4. KS PRIORITIES Social dialogue - the role as employer –Tripartite agreements and negotiations –Promoting competent employers and workforce, decent work, work life balance Organisation, efficiency and quality –Provision of services for the citizens –Ex. Efficiency networks Local democracy and framework conditions –Local government reforms, ex child care –Economic and legal framework

5. FOCUS ON SOCIAL DIALOGUE -Social dialogue: the dialogue between groups of society - and particularly the tripartite partners - as a basis for democracy, decent work and quality services -Social dialogue in the local government sector: a basis for quality services to all inhabitants, e.g. elderly, children – especially important in economic and social crisis -Precondition: decentralisation of tasks, budgets and role as employer from central to local government

6. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES Represent local government in international organisations and arenas, e.g. UCLG, CEMR -Coordinate and manage international projects linked to local authorities and democracy -Europe: -EEA for 15 EU countries (KS 8 last period) -Norway grants for 12 EU countries (KS 2) -MFA-funding for others, e.g. BiH, Russia -Africa and Latin America: -Municipal International Cooperation -Reviews, evaluations, conferences

7. POSSIBLE PROJECT THEMES Ageing of the population – demographic balance -Postponed retirement for elderly workers -Services for elderly at home and in institutions -Work life balance, flexible working hours The role of social dialogue in economic crisis and change proces - Organisation/reorganisation of employment -Third party violence -Decent work and life long learning Specific local services -E.g. education for children with special needs/drop outs Non discrimination -Non discrimination at the work place -Gender equality at the work place

8. ROMANIA Large Norway grants project in 2007-2010 phase focusing on waste management i Sibiu region Cooperation with sister organisation, AMR Meeting AMR-KS tomorrow regarding possibilties in Romania Key KS focus: Mutual learning TAKK FOR OPPMERKSOMHETEN!