The deal gives each worker a $3,353 raise. It’s a clear example of how strong unions and employer negotiations can keep industries stable and fair.
Thoughts on how other countries could follow this model?

Read the full story here:
https://www.theworkersrights.com/norwegian-oil-workers-and-firms-finalize-wage-deal-for-7400-employees-averting-strike/

by workersright

7 comments

  2. Sadly, Norway is going a more “traditionally capitalistic” way in the recent decades, moving away from strong workers rights and strong unions.

    There are of course exceptions with areas that are still very strong and we are not nearly on a US level in Norway but it is definitely going in that direction bit by bit. The recent industry “wage increases” the unions managed to enforce were so low, that after calculating in inflation you actually get less than before. All while manager and ceo salaries go up and up and up.

    As I said, not on a US level yet but a worrying development.

  3. Oil industry is possibly the only industry you could push this through so easily, as profit margins are solid.

  4. Labor union representative here.

    What other countries can do? Organize. People need to start some place and that place starts with you and your colleagues. Start a club. Take care of your fellow man. Being a representative is in the end about showing up and listening to people. It is hard work and you will be faced with challenges. Some jurisdictions are outright hostile to unions, so it might be risky.

    The most important idea is to focus on shared interests, not just boons, benefits or outcomes. It is about belonging to something more than yourself and pitching in to help each other out against the power asymmetry baked into the employer-employee relationship.

    Be patient, but remember that listening to and showing care for your fellow man is the most important step. You do not necessarily need to join an existing union, but in most jurisdictions this will give a lot of important legal privileges. But a succesful local club will always be attractive to existing unions. If someone shows up to work and are interested in other colleagues and willing to help out, people will notice and gravitate towards it.

    Building the Norwegian model took long time and was a struggle. There were huge strikes during the 1930s and the labor movement organized very strongly. It did not come cheap or without toil. People fought for our rights and privileges.

  5. Oil workers make above 1 million nok per year. This increase is around 3%. What is great about it?

  6. Inflation is so high that it is not keeping up with wages. This is barely worth celebrating, it’s just keeping up with the wrecked economy. Most people’s spending power is LESS than it was a few years ago.

    In my personal experience, unions in Norway are terrible, and when I needed help, I was very much pushed to the side. They advertise unions as being pro worker, but it’s a lot better to negotiate on your own behalf, the only downside to that is a lot of insurances become more expensive, or outright unavailable without LO forsikring.

  7. Value and leverage. You need to make value, and leverage to actually share in that value.

    To get this the labor movement needs real power. Strong unions with real teeth, and politicians held to good principles. The economy needs to benefit the people in the country, and to be “dealt with” where it doesn’t, but you still need to make it strong and competitive. Lifetimes of service has been spent threading that needle.

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