Derfor streiker de: – Urimelig å sitte opptil 16 timer uten pause

The Norwegian Air Traffic Controllers Union has initiated a strike after failing to reach an agreement with the employer organization, Spekter, over labor conditions. According to the union's leader, Robert Gjønnes, the primary issue revolves around the regulation of breaks, the planning of controllers' career stages, and the framework for an instructor agreement.

Gjønnes expressed dissatisfaction with the current work rules, noting that controllers may work up to 16 hours consecutively without predictable breaks. He emphasized the need for regulation and dialogue with the employer, criticizing Spekter for not addressing their concerns or acknowledging the challenges faced by controllers.

The union's demands highlight discrepancies with current labor regulations, particularly pointing to the absence of adequate provisions for controllers' well-being and career planning. Gjønnes likened the current system to the stringent regulations governing heavy transport, where drivers are mandated to take breaks after 4.5 hours, preventing them from working 16 hours without rest.

He suggested that alternatives to full-time operation could include temporary shutdowns of airports during specific time slots, emphasizing that solutions exist but are not being pursued due to the lack of dialogue with the employer.

Additionally, the union is seeking improved conditions for planning career stages, drawing from past agreements that established career counseling reports for controllers. Gjønnes pointed out that while the union previously agreed to such reports, the current employer has rescinded this arrangement, further fueling their discontent.

The union's grievances also extend to the regulation of apprenticeship programs, which were previously regulated through a separate agreement. However, Spekter terminated this agreement, opting to handle it unilaterally through an administrative contract, which the union views as inadequate.

The strike has already affected 12 air traffic controllers, with plans to expand to an additional 8 the following day, involving a total of 536 controllers. Avinor, the national airport operator, conducted a preliminary assessment of the impact, predicting possible delays at major airports like Oslo and Bergen. The strike is expected to disrupt flights, particularly on Sundays at Bergen Airport, leading to potential flight cancellations.

Despite their concerns, Avinor has not yet taken concrete steps to mitigate the disruption, leaving the controllers to bear the burden of their own protest.