Air traffic controllers' strike draws closer. These airports in Norway may feel the impact
On Wednesday, August 19 at 10:00 AM, mediation will begin in the dispute concerning air traffic controllers in Norway. If the talks do not lead to an agreement, the strike is set to start on Friday at 6:30 AM. The first stage of the protest may affect key units responsible for air traffic in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.
If the strike happens, passengers should expect disruptions at airports.
Fot. Øystein Løwer/Avinor
The talks will take place at the National Mediator's Office (Riksmekleren) and will be led by state mediator Mats Wilhelm Ruland. The dispute concerns pay conditions and work organization at Avinor Flysikring. On one side is the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers Association (Norsk Flygelederforening), and on the other, the employer organization Spekter. The union has presented a joint package of demands regarding the collective agreement.
Union presents demands. Mediation aims to prevent strike
One of the topics of discussion is the rules regarding work breaks. The union also wants changes related to instructor activities, and the presented demands also include a support policy for employees at different stages of their professional lives. The package of demands was presented jointly. This information was provided by Robert Gjønnes from the controllers' union.
Spekter is entering mediation with a declaration to reach a compromise. The employer organization wants to avoid disruptions to air traffic that could occur if the protest begins. Time to reach an agreement is limited. Without it, the strike action will start on Friday morning, August 21.
Spekter is entering mediation with a declaration to reach a compromise. The employer organization wants to avoid disruptions to air traffic that could occur if the protest begins. Time to reach an agreement is limited. Without it, the strike action will start on Friday morning, August 21.
The strike may result in delays and canceled flights.Photo: Fotolia
First group consists of 12 people. The protest will affect four units
The first round of the strike will involve 12 employees. The protest is planned at the air traffic control center in Røyken and at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo, Flesland in Bergen, and Stavanger Airport. The scale of the first stage will be limited in terms of staff. However, the action will affect units important for air traffic management.
Avinor Flysikring has prepared an analysis of the possible effects of the protest. The company warns, among other things, of a complete halt to operations at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo on Sunday, August 23, between 6:30 and 11:30 AM. Not all flight operations will be treated the same. During the strike, priority will be given to rescue, medical, police, and military flights.
Avinor Flysikring has prepared an analysis of the possible effects of the protest. The company warns, among other things, of a complete halt to operations at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo on Sunday, August 23, between 6:30 and 11:30 AM. Not all flight operations will be treated the same. During the strike, priority will be given to rescue, medical, police, and military flights.
Potential disruptions may therefore appear in the first days of the protest. The situation at Gardermoen will be particularly important, where the analysis predicts the possibility of a several-hour complete halt to operations. Until then, both sides will try to reach an agreement in mediation.
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