Wage talks break down in Norway

Norwegian trade unions have broken off talks with the NR after it made a salary offer with a general supplement of NOK21,000 per annum.

Industri Energi, which represents thousands of Norwegian offshore rig workers, said the breakdown in talks will go to mediation in June and a possible strike if a deal can’t be made.

Union leader, Frode Alfheim said: “The rig industry is doing well and we expect our members to get their share of value creation. At the same time, the industry must offer a wage level that makes it attractive.”

Safe Union leader, Hilde-Marit Rysst, added: “Unions agree that the offer from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association was too low for us to accept. This means that the ombudsman must help us find a solution, otherwise there will be a conflict in the NR (Norges Rederiforbund) area.”