NGE Notes: Norwegian Government Intervenes to Avoid Offshore Oil Shutdown

The Norwegian government has intervened to halt shutdown of offshore oil industry.

Hanne Bjurstrom, Norways' Minister of Labor, called both sides to a meeting at 23.30, thirty minutes before the lockout was to commence and sent the dispute to binding arbitration.

Mr Jan Hodneland, chief negotiator for Norwegian Oil Industry Association, said: "We are now relieved that we do not have to shut down the production on the Norwegian continental shelf, however, we were ready to initiate a lockout if the gouvernment did not intervene."

Workers had been on striking over issues including retirement and pension benefits since June 24th, resulting in the shutdown of some fields. 

Read the industry statement  HERE