Norwegian Strike Ends After Wage Deal

Norwegian offshore workers' union Lederne called an end to its strike on October 9 after agreeing a deal with oil firms in a meeting with a state-appointed mediator. 

The Equinor-operated Gudrun, Gina Krog and Kvitebjorn fields, along with Neptune Energy's Gjoa and Wintershall Dea's Vega fields were shut down on October 5 after Lederne workers downed tools, taking 330,000 barrels of oil equivalent/day of oil and gas supply offline. Workers also went on strike at Equinor's Johan Sverdrup on September 30, and the company warned on October 7 that it too could be closed if the industrial action continued until October 14.

Lederne and the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association, representing employers, announced the settlement deal in statements on October 9. Lederne has secured higher pay for workers, and a commitment from oil companies to sign a broader, long-term agreement by April 1 2021. Equinor and Aker BP have also agreed to make provisions for land-based staff at their onshore control rooms.