The first of two possible strikes at Norwegian airports this week was averted during the night. State mediators were involved, but a representative for the workers claimed the two sides hammered out a settlement themselves.
After five hours of negotiations in overtime, the union representing technicians and mechanics (Norsk Flytekniker Organisasjon, NFO) came to terms with the employers’ organization NHO Luftfart, which represented state airport owner Avinor. “We feel satisfied with the year’s settlement,” NFO leader Andreas Sundt told news bureau NTB. He pointed specifically to better terms regarding night shifts and health issues.
Mediation between representatives for airport emergency crews (labour organizations LO Stat and YS) and the airports, meanwhile, was due to begin Thursday with a strike deadline set for 10am Friday. Avinor, which owns and operates most of Norway’s airports, continued to warn on its website Wednesday that a strike will shut down airports in Stavanger, Haugesund, Alta, Svolvær, Sandnessjøen, Honningsvåg, Sandane and Rorvik.
Airports in Oslo, Bergen and Tronheim will not be directly affected, but delays and disruption were expected in the entire airline route system in Norway if a strike is called. Passengers can follow developments on either the Norwegian or English version (external link) of Avinor’s website and were advised to remain in contact with their airline in the event of a strike on Friday.
newsinenglish.no staff
