New Strikes Could Disrupt Air Traffic in August

Norway's air traffic could face significant disruption in August as four separate labor negotiations loom, potentially leading to strikes. Up to 536 air traffic controllers and 1,800 other aviation employees face the possibility of industrial action if agreements cannot be reached with employers.

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A potential strike could affect everyone – that's how it is with a strike – but our goal is to find a solution in the mediation.

The Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Union (Norsk Flygelederforening) is scheduled to meet with employer association Spekter for mediation on August 19 and 20. The union's leader, Robert Gjønnes, stated that while a strike would impact everyone, their goal is to find a resolution. Issues at stake for air traffic controllers include breaks, instructor frameworks, and life-phase policies.

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We will not go into specifics about our demands, other than to say that they relate, among other things, to breaks, frameworks for instructor activities, and life-phase policies for air traffic controllers. To mention something overarching.

Meanwhile, two other significant wage negotiations are set for mediation in August, potentially affecting up to 1,800 employees. The Aviation Agreement and the Air Transport Agreement are being negotiated separately. The Air Transport Agreement involves the union Handel og Kontor and NHO Luftfart, with Handel og Kontor having notified of potential strikes for 1,286 employees, primarily those involved in ground services. Their spokesperson, Inger Helene Vaaten, highlighted that wages are a central issue, and a strike would impact aircraft servicing at affected airports.

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We hope that with the help of the national mediator, we will be able to achieve solutions.

The Aviation Agreement is being negotiated between Parat and NHO Luftfart, with Parat notifying of potential strikes for 578 members. These members are described as company functionaries, both on the ground and in administrative roles. Parat's communication leader, Trygve Bergsland, indicated that a widespread strike could make airline operations very difficult. Parat had previously stated that their goals included increased purchasing power and predictability in their members' work lives.

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Our members are often the employees passengers meet throughout the journey: at check-in, boarding, rebooking, during operational disruptions, and when luggage is delayed or lost. They are on the front line when air traffic is not going as planned.