Norway
Trade unions in the municipal sector have rejected the employers’ latest offer and begun a strike in support of a higher pay increase. Local government employers had proposed a pay rise of around 3.3%, in line with the increase agreed in the state sector. However, municipal unions are claiming a higher increase in recognition of the fact that low pay is more of a problem in the local government sector.
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The Sanitas health union began a series of demonstrations outside the ministeries of labour, public finance and health on 20 March in protest at the government's failure to deal with long-standing issues related to health and social service workers' pay and bonuses. The union wants a pay increase for all workers in the sector backdated to 1 March and an end to limits imposed on bonus payments. Sanitas also wants to ensure that workers don't lose out on their take-home pay following a government decision to increase workers' social contributions. Four days of demonstrations are planned for
After its first round of negotiations with provincial government employers, public service trade union ABVAKABO says that two issues have been settled – the agreement will run for 12 months and arrangements for reducing working time for older workers have been clarified. However, the next bargaining rounds could be more difficult. The union says that it might make concessions on pay in order to increase job security and get improved training and career development opportunities. In contrast, it appears that the employers are looking for a pay freeze, a few minor technical changes to conditions
The collective agreement covering central government workers expired at the end of March and the trade unions, including the FNV, and government are about to start negotiations over a new agreement. On the employers’ side there is a commitment to discuss pay for civil servants on the lower pay scales, the design of leave arrangements, rosters and workplace measures to address climate change. On the union side the priority will be purchasing power and salaries, along with several other issues including provisions on early retirement and action to reduce workloads.
