Strike Averted in Wholesale Sector Labor Settlement

A strike involving about 700 wholesale workers in Norway has been averted after Fellesforbundet, the Yrkestrafikkforbundet and NHO Service og Handel agreed on a new collective agreement.

The state-appointed mediator presented a settlement proposal at 5:15 a.m. Saturday after the parties negotiated for more than five hours beyond the deadline. All parties recommended the proposal.

The agreement provides a general increase of 6.50 kroner an hour from April 1. Minimum wage rates will rise by a total of 16.62 kroner in 2026, including a previous adjustment of 7.12 kroner and a special supplement of 3 kroner.

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We are pleased that we are avoiding a strike, but the most important thing is that our members receive a good financial settlement. We secured a clear wage increase and improvements that will matter both for pay and security in working life.

Workers will also receive four months of advance payment for sickness, care and parental benefits. The meal allowance will increase to 114 kroner, while other changes aim to protect the normal working day.

“We are pleased that we are avoiding a strike, but the most important thing is that our members receive a good financial settlement,” said YTF negotiator Josefine Wærstad. Fellesforbundet negotiator Mohammed Malik said the result was in line with the frontfag model and that the unions were very satisfied to have reached an agreement after a long night. The wholesale agreement covers warehouse and goods-distribution employees.

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After a long night, we are very pleased to have reached an agreement.