The minister of labour, Hanne Bjurstrøm recommended the parties to conduct another round of talks to try and find a solution to get and end to the conflict. After thirteen hours of mediation at the National mediator, he did not find a basis to present a written proposal he thought the parties could accept.
The strike is now on day 15, and the costs are 2,9 billion kroner.
“Oil company employees have an average annual income of NOK 1 million and a retirement age of 65,” notes Mr Hodneland. “This already makes them Norway’s pension winners. They’ve nevertheless opted to use their power to win even better terms.”
Excluded
It has been clear ever since 1980 that pension issues are excluded from the pay negotiations conducted by the OLF on behalf of offshore employers.
“We’re living longer, so we’ve also got to work longer,” Mr Hodneland emphasises. “The Storting [parliament] approved a pension reform in 2011, but the offshore workforce is now refusing to contribute to the national effort in this area.
“The reform allows everyone to retire at 62 if they wish. If they’re to work until 65, it must pay to do so.”
Rise
Everyone covered by the offshore pay agreements was offered a general rise of more than 5% . Other pay components were also increased
More information:
Eli Ane Nedreskår, Communications Manager OLF, mobile +47 994 50 101