Advarer om tomme hyller

Widespread delivery disruptions may arise if Rema 1000 stores in Norway do not reach an agreement on the Grossistavtalen, or Wholesale Agreement, between the two main trade unions, Fellesforbundet and Yrkestrafikkforbundet (YTF). The workers' federations of Fellesforbundet and YTF, along with two others, have warned of possible strikes involving over 700 members.

Of these, 411 are affiliated with Rema Distribusjon, which supplies goods to Rema 1000 stores. The strike could also impact a number of other companies, including Felleskjøpet and Thon Hotels.

Mohammed Malik, negotiations leader for Fellesforbundet, stated to E24 that members expect an increase in purchasing power and real improvements in the Grossistavtalen, including adjustments to sick, parental, and parental leave benefits. The warning stated that the strike would not target third parties, but it would inevitably have consequences.

Rema 1000 warned that a halt in deliveries would quickly be noticeable in store shelves. The deadline to reach an agreement is midnight on Friday, September 4th. If no agreement is reached, the workers will go on strike from the start of work on Saturday, September 5th.

Rema 1000 confirmed that they are prepared to make ongoing assessments to maintain responsible operations and deliveries within the limits of the law and labor regulations. The Norwegian model has benefited Norwegian labor and society for many years, and they trust that the parties will do their best to find solutions. A central issue in the negotiations is the wage increase, with YTF arguing that employees should not risk going without income while waiting for payments from Nav, the Norwegian Social Security Administration.

The unions have asked the Riksmekleren (the Norwegian Labour Court) for guidance, stating that they do not want empty store shelves and disrupted food supplies. However, it is up to the employers and the other unions to show a genuine willingness to reach a resolution, according to YTF's Josefine Wærstad.