Nå kan det bli flygelederstreik

At 10am on Wednesday, negotiations between the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Union and Spekter began with Riksmekleren. If they cannot reach an agreement, air traffic controllers could go on strike at 6.30am on Friday. The union has several collective demands they wish to revise, including the working regime for air traffic controllers and rules for instructor activity and life cycle policy, according to Robert Gjønnes, the leader of the Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers' Union.

Gjønnes was asked why these issues are important now, and he replied that it is because they are essential elements for Norwegian air traffic controllers in terms of their daily work and safety perspective. If a strike occurs, twelve air traffic controllers will be deployed to four units: the control center in Røyken, Flesland, Gardermoen, and Stavanger.

The consequences for air traffic during the coming week are uncertain, as no one knows yet. The union aims to pressure the employer and try to protect an innocent third party. However, they are realistic about the fact that it's difficult to protect everyone, and their main focus is to pressure the employer. Gjønnes expressed hope for finding a solution and avoiding a strike, stating that they believe Riksmekler Mats Wilhelm Ruland will be the right person to mediate on their behalf due to his competence and straightforwardness.

The union has no limits as to how long they could potentially strike, but they all hope to find a solution quickly. Spekter's Ingvild Dahl Dørnes, the organizational and staffing chief, reiterated their goal of avoiding a strike. The upcoming negotiations will focus on determining the wage and working conditions for air traffic controllers in Avinor's air security after the main operation, she said.

Dørnes did not comment on the union's demands before the negotiation. Both sides are committed to finding a solution and discussing their positions during the mediation.