A strike affecting more than 2,000 airport workers in Norway has been averted after trade union Fellesforbundet and employers’ organisation NHO Luftfart agreed a new collective bargaining agreement.
The agreement was reached early on Tuesday following mediation that continued five hours beyond the midnight deadline. As a result, air traffic will continue to operate normally.
The aviation agreement covers aircraft technicians, baggage handlers and other ground personnel essential to airport operations. Negotiations broke down on 5 May after the parties failed to agree new terms for workers covered by the contract.
Under the agreement, employees will receive a general wage increase of NOK 6.50 (EUR 0.59) per hour. Minimum wage rates will rise by the same amount, while night-shift supplements will increase to 37%.
The deal also includes a new compensation and skills model for technical personnel, as well as employer prepayment of sickness, care and parental benefits in line with Norway’s frontfag wage settlement framework.
The agreement will now be put to a membership ballot. Fellesforbundet’s negotiating delegation has unanimously recommended acceptance.