Norway’s Government has said it would intervene in a strike by workers in its oil and gas industry.
The strike was due to concerns it could affect energy supplies to Europe at a time when the continent is already facing shortages related to sanctions on Russia.
The government said on Tuesday evening that it planned to force an agreement between the Lederne union and the employers’ organisation Norsk olje og gass.
Both sides said they would end the strike at the request of Labour Minister Marte Mjøs Persen allowing work to resume as soon as possible.
“It is irresponsible to halt gas production to the extent this strike could have done in the coming days,’’ Persen said.
“This escalation is critical in the current situation, both in view of the energy crisis and the geopolitical situation we face with the war in Europe,’’ she said.
Norway must do everything in its power to maintain energy security in Europe and European solidarity against Russia’s belligerence, the statement added.
After failed wage negotiations, 74 workers on three Norwegian gas and oil platforms went on strike.
As a result, the energy firm Equinor halted production at the Gudrun, Oseberg Sør und Oseberg Øst fields.
Another 117 workers were due to stop working on Wednesday, with an even wider strike planned for Saturday.
“The strike announced for July 9 would see more than half of Norway’s daily gas exports lost,’’ the Norwegian government said.
“In principle, the parties themselves are responsible for finding a solution in such cases.
“But when the conflict can have such major social consequences for all of Europe, I have no choice but to intervene,’’ said Persen.
European countries that had until now been heavily reliant on Russian energy imports, were seeking new suppliers in light of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, with many counting on Norwegian production to help fill the gap. (dpa/NAN)
