In February 2022, Arild Espenes had had enough. He felt overlooked, left out. At the school he had been given responsibility for keeping alive, he did not have enough work assignments. He felt that no one cared. He himself describes it so that his head was like a pressure cooker where the frustration built up. Finally, it explodes. Arild scolds staff at the school for what most would describe as trifles. It is not the first time Espenes uses a high voice and harsh words. This is how the municipality justified that he will now be dismissed, he will lose his job on the day. Arild Espenes worked at this school before he was dismissed, among other things after an argument about parking. Photo: Therese Pisani / news – I wasn’t worth anything But the separation is illegal. The Hordaland District Court has confirmed this in a recent judgment. It would have been even if Arild had not had a diagnosis. But there are special reasons why Espenes should have received completely different treatment from his employer than what he has received, the district court believes. – I have Asperger’s and ADHD. What happens is that inside the head there is so much rush and stress, says Arild Espenes. The judgment from the district court rules that Espenes will be allowed to continue in his job. It also concludes that Bergen municipality has not done enough for him to be able to function in working life. The municipality must also pay compensation to Espenes after the separation and an earlier layoff. He needs clearly defined tasks and areas of responsibility. He needs permanent contact persons who know him. He needs an understanding that he is a skilled employee within the carpentry trade, but that he reacts in a different way in social life than most others. – I wasn’t worth anything. I was ostracized and set aside. I was just a problem that they wanted to shoo away, he says. Trade unions shocked Kenneth Rasmussen, chief union representative in the Trade Unions, has for several years been involved in the case of Arlid Espenes. – I have to say that I am shocked to get this case on the table. Bergen municipality must be an inclusive employer, says Rasmussen. They have worked for a long time to ensure that Espenes gets a working day that is adapted to his needs. Time and time again they have experienced that Espenes is seen in situations that are impossible for him to handle, says Rasmussen. – The judgment from the district court is particularly important. It shows that the employees’ rights are strong, and for those with special needs. There could have been major consequences if the conclusion had been different. Kenneth Rasmussen in the Trade Union has for several years worked for a better working life for Arild Espenes. Photo: Agnieszka Iwanka / news Municipal attorney in Bergen, Helge Strand, says a decision has not been taken on whether they should appeal the judgment from the Hordaland district court. He has no further comments on what he describes as a personnel matter. HR director Tale Nesmann Berntsen wrote to news that the municipality wants to contribute to a working life with room for everyone. – As an employer, Bergen municipality has a duty to make arrangements as far as possible for employees who need it. This is something we take seriously, writes Berntsen. – Our managers are responsible for both making arrangements for the individual employee, and for all employees to experience a fully safe working environment. In addition, the responsibility for operation and supervision falls to the users of the service. Looking forward to continuing in working life It has been some difficult years for Arild Espenes. He has felt very alone. Misunderstood. Without the possibility to contribute to society. He thanks Rasmussen and the trade union for saying that he is in the process of taking his life back, as he himself puts it. This week he is back at work in Bergen municipality. Now he has got a mentor who has been trained in what it can mean to have Asperger’s. And he has been given work assignments that Espene thinks are perfect for him. Now he wants to tell his story, perhaps to help others who have similar challenges to him. – It is important to be a voice for those who do not have a voice. I don’t want others to be treated the way I have been. This week, Espenes is back in Bergen municipality as a carpenter. Photo: Agnieszka Iwanska / news
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Arild has Asperger’s syndrome – illegally fired by Bergen municipality – news Vestland
