Relief package?

Crisis Relief package

By: Tuva Tondem Lund

Translated by: Benjamin Faulkner

On the 26th of January the government (finally!) suggested a relief package for students! What does this entail for you?

When Norway closed down on the 12th of March, many people were temporarily laid off from their jobs. Some had economic issues, and many struggled to make ends meet. Luckily, we live in a welfare state with a security net that dampens the fall. Or?

Students lack the right for unemployment benefits, which most other employed have if they lose their job. That means that, of two employees at a café in the same position, who are laid off or fired at the same time, one will receive unemployment benefits, while the student will not. Luckily, we have Lånekassen, which provides us an income we can live on. At least, that is the intention.

We know that 7 out of 10 students depend on a part-time job to make ends meet economically. Especially students who live in major cities have a hard time living off student loans. Many were forced to move home to their parents, some had to drop out of studies to pay off their bills. The 26th of March, the government granted a relief package that would solve these issues. The student movement was on the warpath; the government solution was loans, loans that only applied for a minority. Very few applied for support, and the money was returned to the Treasury.

Let us wind a year forward. On the 26th of January, a new solution was put forward by the Government. A whole 1 billion kroner was on the table, and with this sum the politicans would meet the demands of the students. 1 billion is a tidy sum if you misunderstand me correctly. But we know that the airline companies received six billion, and it is sad that we – the solution to the problems of tomorrow – only receive 1 billion. This is inadequate.

The reaction to this package was twofold – just like the package itself. We have also shouted at our elected officials concerning our psychosocial needs during and after the crisis. The government replied fairly, and the suggestion is that the universities, colleges and schools will receive 150 million to employ assistant teachers. At the same time, a fraction of this sum will go to a help desk for students, and to strengthen mental health support. In addition, student organizations will receive more funds to arrange low-threshold social measures. Cheers for this part of the package!

The other half is bleaker. The suggestion is that students who can prove loss of income (back through july) can apply for maximum 26 000,- to compensate. Of this sum, 40% will be a loan, the rest a stipend. Why do all the others in the welfare state receive compensation, while we must borrow the money? At the same time, we are worried that too many will fall off the edge. Will new students, who haven’t had the opportunity to work on the side, qualify? I do not know. Who will take responsibility for our international students, who is taking their whole grade in Norway? And how much does 26 000,- actually cover, for a whole year?

The relief package is not yet voted through by the Parliament. It is still only a suggestion, and that means that we wil keep working for it to be as good as possible!