How the strike can be stopped: 'Last resort'

The Norwegian government is closely observing the ongoing strike by air traffic controllers, emphasizing that compulsory arbitration will only be employed as a final measure. State Secretary Line Eldring of the Ministry of Labour and Inclusion stated that intervention is reserved for situations where a strike poses a threat to life, health, or safety, or causes other serious societal disruptions. The ministry is continuously receiving information and assessments to evaluate the strike's impact. Eldring stressed that the responsibility for wage formation lies with the negotiating parties, who must reach a resolution themselves. The government's involvement is strictly a last resort, only to be used if the strike jeopardizes life and health or creates significant societal problems. A researcher from Fafo, Åsmund Arup Seip, noted that the likelihood of the strike being halted depends heavily on its scope and the number of flights affected. He indicated that if the strike impacts essential services like medical transport or hospital supplies, it could be stopped quickly. Seip explained that there are no absolute thresholds for triggering compulsory arbitration; it is a continuous assessment by authorities based on data from health and safety bodies. While severe economic or societal impacts can lead to intervention, as seen in past cases involving the oil industry, the primary concern remains the risk to life and health. Should compulsory arbitration be implemented, striking employees typically receive wage increases aligned with broader settlements, but their ability to achieve specific demands, such as changes to break schedules, may be limited.

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Compulsory arbitration is a last resort. This only happens if the labor conflict can lead to a threat to life, health, or safety or entail other serious societal consequences.