Mediation starts at National Mediator’s office between Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Industri Energi and SAFE
On Thursday morning, mediation starts at the National Mediator’s office between the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Industri Energi and SAFE, on salary regulations for employees on mobile offshore units, drilling and catering on permanently placed facilities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, NSA says in a press release. The mediation deadline is set at midnight. If the parties are not in agreement, conflict could be initiated by 24:00 the 27th of June.
Industri Energi has sent a warning of collective work stoppage for 19 companies on 21 installations, totaling 922 of its members. SAFE has sent a warning of work stoppage for 664 of its members for a similar number of companies and installations.
This year's settlement is a Mid-Term Settlement and is based on the economic situation and prospects for the coming year, as well as price and wage developments in society at large. When there was a breakdown in negotiations on the 28th of May, head negotiator for the NSA, Jakob Korsgaard, Managing Director of Maersk Drilling Norway, stated that despite signs of rising activity, the rig and drilling industry continue to struggle in difficult markets.
"The demands were far above the “Front Runner Model” and differ from agreements other groups have reached. Nevertheless, our intention is of course to reach an agreement during the mediation", Korsgaard says.
Korsgaard believes the industry, companies and organizations’ focus should be on strengthening reputation and the industry's attractiveness, and that a conflict at this time will be harmful.