Negotiations between Sjømat Norge, the Norwegian Seafood Federation, and trade union Fellesforbundet have broken down over the country’s aquaculture collective bargaining agreement, sending the dispute to state mediation.
Sjømat Norge said Fellesforbundet ended negotiations Tuesday evening following disagreement over whether seafood companies should permanently advance payments for sick pay, parental benefits and care benefits when delays occur at Norway’s welfare agency, NAV.
The employer organisation, which represents much of Norway’s salmon farming and seafood processing industry, said it proposed a temporary arrangement lasting until 2029, but opposed making the scheme a permanent obligation under the collective agreement.
“When the system fails, people are placed in an impossible situation,” said Sjømat Norge chief executive Geir Ove Ystmark, who led the employer delegation.
Ystmark said responsibility for paying welfare benefits ultimately rests with the Norwegian government and NAV, rather than private companies.
Sjømat Norge also said disagreements remained on other issues, including the absence of specific financial demands from Fellesforbundet during the negotiations.
The dispute will now move to mediation with Norway’s National Mediator, Riksmekleren.
The aquaculture agreement covers employees across Norway’s salmon farming and seafood production sector. Any escalation could affect harvesting, processing and logistics operations in the world’s largest Atlantic salmon producing country.
