Air Traffic Controller Mediation Continues Past Deadline

Mediation between the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Union and employer Spekter has extended beyond its midnight deadline, with talks continuing into Friday morning.

Twelve air traffic controllers were slated for the initial strike action, affecting control centers at Røyken, Flesland, Gardermoen, and Stavanger. Avinor Air Navigation Services had previously warned of potential delays at Flesland and Gardermoen, with the possibility of Gardermoen being completely shut down for several hours if a strike occurred.

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We have a number of collective demands in our agreement that we want revised. Among other things, break regimes for air traffic controllers and frameworks for instructor activities and life-phase policies.

The union's key demands include revisions to collective agreements, specifically concerning break regulations for air traffic controllers, as well as frameworks for instructor activities and life-phase policies. Riksmekleren (the national mediator) Mats Ruland indicated on Thursday evening that while progress had been made, several significant issues remain unresolved.

Avinor Air Navigation Services has outlined a potential strike impact scenario: Friday could see delays at Flesland and Gardermoen, escalating throughout the day and evening, with nationwide consequences. Saturday might bring some delays at Gardermoen and moderate delays in Western Norway, with Flesland facing increasing issues and potential airspace closure over Western Norway in the evening. Sunday's scenario includes Gardermoen being closed from 06:30 to 11:30, with widespread delays and cancellations expected nationwide. Monday could still see some morning delays, with lingering effects from the weekend.

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We had a difficult day yesterday, and today has been somewhat better. But we have several major unresolved issues that we will spend the coming hours on.