The article is a response to claims by Marie Sneve Martinussen, the leader of Rødt, who suggests that employers are benefiting from the prevalence of part-time work in Norway. The author disputes this argument, pointing out that less than 15% of part-time workers wish to increase their work hours. In fact, many part-time workers transition to full-time positions over time, suggesting that the supposed exploitation of part-time workers may not be as widespread as Martinussen claims. Moreover, the author highlights that for nurses in hospitals, the average working percentage is close to 90%, indicating substantial full-time roles in vital sectors.

The author further argues against Martinussen’s characterizations of part-time work as merely a convenient solution for filling staffing gaps. Instead, they assert that the demand for part-time positions arises from existing welfare systems that allow workers to reduce their hours when needed. Additionally, the author references public investigations which indicate that labor union demands for reduced weekend work have contributed to the creation of part-time positions, thus revealing a more complex picture of employment needs rather than a simple narrative of exploitation by employers.

In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of part-time work in Norway. By presenting evidence that counters a one-dimensional view, the author invites further dialogue on labor practices, the intentions behind part-time employment, and the implications for both workers and the healthcare system in Norway. This perspective aims to enrich debates on labor rights and the structure of the workforce in the context of societal welfare policies.