These facilities have also been hit by the downturn in activity within the oil sector, and are experiencing heavy pressure on costs. Following the oil price slump, the companies have had to renegotiate contracts and reduce prices for their services.
The supply bases have never been that part of the Norwegian petroleum industry with the best margins, and their weakened profitability over the past couple of years means that no room is left for pay growth. On the contrary, an expectation prevails that the employees will contribute to bringing down costs – in part by looking at negotiated agreements in order to strengthen the profitability and flexibility of the companies.
“To get through this demanding time and preserve as many jobs as possible at the supply bases, we believe that cost-cutting changes are important,” says Jan Hodneland, lead negotiator for Norwegian Oil and Gas. “The opposite could happen if pay rises are awarded this year. They could mean a loss of jobs because the companies would have to seek further cost cuts.”
Oil and gas production is unlikely to be affected by a possible strike.
The Norwegian Union of Industry and Energy Workers (Industry Energy) has given notice of walkouts at the following companies in the event of a strike:
- CCB Mongstad, 154 members (all)
- NorSea, 129 members
- Vestbase, Florø department, 34 members (all)
- Asco, Sola department, 34 members (all)
In addition, a walkout has been notified at a company not in the Confederation of Norwegian Industry (NHO):
- IKM Testing base Sola, 57 members (all)
Mediation will take place at the Oslo offices of the National Mediator from 10.00 on 16 June. Two days are allocated from the talks, with the deadline set at midnight on 17 June.
Contacts
Jan Hodneland, lead negotiator, Norwegian Oil and Gas, mobile +47 913 41 301
Kolbjørn Andreassen, communication manager, Norwegian Oil and Gas, mobile +47 952 82 808
If these contacts are unavailable:
Maiken Ree, information manager, Norwegian Oil and Gas, mobile +47 977 55 002
