Norwegians were bracing for more disruption after negotiations broke down on Friday between employers group NHO Service and the union representing security guards around the country (Arbeidsmandsforbund, NAF). Security control at airports and cash supplies in minibanks are among services that will be affected.
No sooner had one major strike ended did another begin. Some business and banking groups were downplaying possible effects, according to Aftenposten.no, but around 1,000 security guards were poised to walk off the job on Saturday. That would severely cut staffing from firms like Securitas, G4S, Loomis, Vakt Service and Vakt Service Verdi.
Worst hit are the airports at Molde, Haugesund, Hammerfest and Stokmarknes. All flights departing from Molde after 8am on Saturday were cancelled along with flights on Sunday because of short-staffing at security control. Landings could continue.
At Haugesund, airport officials warned of long lines because of short staffing, while the airport at Hammerfest was due to close Saturday and Sunday and reopen only from 5:30am until 3:30pm on Monday. The airport at Stokmarknes was closing for the duration of the strike.
Officials at Oslo’s main airport at Gardermoen said landings and departures would continue as normal, but warned passengers to allow plenty of time to get through security.
With bank security guards and money couriers also out ofnstrike, there were worries that automated teller machines (minibanks) could run empty of cash. DnB NOR, however, said customers could use their bank cards in stores and also often get cash in grocery store check-out lines.
Retailers would not be able to rely on security patrols, and several alarm centrals would be subject to minimal staffing.
Views and News from Norway/Nina Berglund
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