Airport worker negotiations continue past deadline, strike looms

Negotiations for a new collective agreement covering more than 2000 employees at Norwegian airports continued past the midnight deadline Tuesday, with no agreement reached. The mediator has asked both parties to continue discussions into the night.

A potential strike could begin as early as Tuesday. Fellesforbundet, a union, previously issued a strike notice for 306 members at Gardermoen, Værnes, and Flesland airports. "If a strike occurs and personnel handling baggage at Avinor's major airports are involved, it will cause problems for both departing and arriving passengers," warned aviation analyst Hans Jørgen Elnæs.

The core of the dispute lies in wage increases that match industry standards, alongside a demand for a commitment to competence development to foster future industry growth. Fellesforbundet and NHO Luftfart, the employers' association, broke off initial negotiations on May 5 and reconvened Monday at the National Mediator's office.

The Flyoverenskomsten agreement covers airport workers involved in aircraft operations, maintenance, service, and dispatch. This dispute is one of several potential disruptions to air traffic this summer, with further negotiations scheduled for SAS cabin crew, aircraft technicians, and air traffic controllers.