Norway environmental services face potential strike

Mediation has begun between the unions Fellesforbundet and Norsk Arbeidsmandsforbund and the Maskinentreprenørenes Forbund (MEF) regarding the collective agreement for environmental businesses. If an agreement is not reached by midnight Thursday, a strike could commence on Friday morning.

Fellesforbundet has reported potential work stoppages for 166 members across 26 MEF-affiliated companies, while Norsk Arbeidsmandsforbund has reported 79 members across 10 companies. Key points of contention include text requirements for the agreement and the advance payment of sick pay.

Although the total number of striking workers is relatively limited, officials warn that the impact could be significant. The strikes are concentrated in essential services such as waste management, recycling, transport, and forestry. Affected companies include Iris miljøtorg in Nordland and Nordren in Southern Norway, which could impact municipal services and citizens across various regions.