Information and views are exchanged. However, the committee does not make decisions. To some extent such committees are operating on county and municipality level as well. Party and trade union relations go far beyond top level structures. Many trade unionists are active in the party and vice versa.
Informal cooperation is widespread.
Recognising the important role of the party when union policies are to be carried through, LO and many affiliated unions give active support to the Labour Party in election campaigns, including financial contributions. Collective membership abolished Until 1997 members of local trade unions could be affiliated collectively to the Labour Party. This constituted a small minority of all LO members, but around half of the party members. Today the party only has individual members. Social reforms Cooperation between the party and the trade union movement has led to a number of social reforms and has played an important role in shaping the Norwegian welfare state.