Helene Aksnes Skeibrok Elected as New Leader of Norwegian Trade Union

Helene Aksnes Skeibrok from Hamar has been elected as the new leader of Fagforbundet, Norway's largest trade union. The election took place Tuesday during the union's national convention in Oslo. Skeibrok previously served as deputy leader since 2022. She brings extensive experience from her time as leader of Fagforbundet Innlandet, the union's regional chapter. Before that role, she held several elected positions at the county level. Skeibrok also served two terms as a municipal council representative for the Labour Party. She holds vocational certification as a care worker and worked in home nursing services in Hamar municipality. Mette Nord stepped down as leader on Tuesday after twelve years in the position. Nord announced last December she would resign this fall, noting she would turn 67 shortly after the convention. The leadership change comes at a crucial time for Norwegian labor relations. Fagforbundet represents over 360,000 workers across public and private sectors, making this one of Norway's most influential labor positions. Skeibrok's background in municipal politics and frontline care work suggests she will bring practical experience to national labor negotiations.