A labor dispute in Norway’s hospitality sector could lead to strikes this weekend affecting major hotels and restaurants. Negotiations between employers and unions broke down late Friday, leaving 1,922 workers at risk of walking out. The conflict centers on wage demands and working conditions, with unions seeking better pay and shorter shifts. Employers argue the demands would strain budgets already hit by high operational costs.
The potential strike involves employees at several well-known establishments in Oslo and Bergen. Among them are staff at Thon Hotel Opera in Oslo and Fiskeriet in Bergen. The unions, including Fellesforbundet and Norsk Arbeidsmandsforbund, have secured support from workers in these hotels and restaurants. Union representatives say the strike could begin as early as Saturday if no agreement is reached.
Employers’ groups, such as NHO Reiseliv, counter that the wage increases sought by unions would force some businesses to cut jobs or reduce services. They point to rising energy costs and lower tourism numbers in recent months as reasons to keep wages stable. The last major strike in the sector occurred in 2019 and lasted three days before a temporary agreement was reached.
The government has called for both sides to return to the negotiating table. Labour Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide urged restraint, warning that strikes would harm Norway’s reputation as a stable destination for international tourists. The mediation process, led by the Riksmekleren, failed to bridge the gap between the two sides late Friday night. Union leaders say they are prepared to escalate the action if their demands are not met.
Source: e24.no