ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how the concepts of 'flexibility' and 'the new working life' were addressed during the planning and preparation of the new Worker Protection and Working Environment act which was passed by the Norwegian Parliament in June and December 2005. The Nordic Welfare State Model is generally regarded as an interventionist model, in which state and local authorities play a major role through comprehensive regulation of economic, social and cultural spheres within the frames of a capitalist economy. In general terms, there was agreement among the political parties that 'globalization', 'flexibility' and new modes of work are inherent aspects of the modern capitalist economy that have some advantages and some disadvantages for working conditions. The Progressive Party and segments of the Conservative Party argued in accordance with the predominant neo-liberalist view on governmental regulation.
