The first Basic Agreement in Norway was concluded in 1935 as a compromise following a long struggle over the right to manage workplaces between workers and capitalists. The idea that performed work, not property, should grant the right to decide over companies, and thus over the means of production, was the main strategy in the struggle for socialism in Norway in the 1920s. This backdrop makes co-determination something very special for the trade union movement.

The Basic Agreements are written with cooperation and equality as the main principle. How this is practiced naturally varies from business to business, but many credit the Basic Agreements and co-determination for the high productivity, innovation, and adaptability of Norwegian working life.

The state collective bargaining area long existed without a Basic Agreement and co-determination. It was not until the major restructuring in the public sector began in the 1970s that there was talk of co-determination in the state. Many believe that the Basic Agreement in the state is the best of all the Basic Agreements formally, as it gives employees the right to negotiate in many matters. Others believe it is largely designed to make trade unions co-responsible for the dismantling of the welfare state.

Regardless of one's opinion, the Basic Agreement is a tool that the union representative can use to gain influence for the members. Therefore, it is wise to know what rights the Basic Agreement provides and to use it to assert these rights when it is necessary and useful.

Since the Basic Agreements are overarching and general, local adaptation agreements are concluded in many places. This is the case, among other places, in the state, where adaptation agreements to the Basic Agreement in the state must be concluded.