Workers covered by Norway’s aquaculture collective agreement have secured a new pay settlement after Seafood Norway and the Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions (Fellesforbundet) reached agreement following two days of mediation.
The deal covers nearly 4,000 workers and averts an initial strike involving around 300 employees.
Under the agreement, employees will receive a general wage increase of NOK 8.00 (€0.72) per hour, comprising a general increase of NOK 6.50 (€0.59) per hour and an adjustment supplement of NOK 1.50 (€0.14) per hour.
Minimum wage rates will rise by NOK 26.50 (€2.39) per hour, taking the starting hourly rate for new employees to NOK 262 (€23.58), rising to NOK 264 (€23.76) after one year of service. The vocational certificate supplement will increase by NOK 5.50 (€0.50) per hour, while standby duty allowances will rise by 50%.
The agreement also introduces employer advance payment of sick pay, parental benefits and care benefits, and includes a new provision requiring occupational health follow-up for pregnant employees.
The parties will also establish a committee to examine working time arrangements, holiday provisions and shipmaster responsibilities.
