Norway train drivers strike over Vy wage disputes

Train drivers in Norway have initiated a strike against the state-owned railway company Vy, leading to significant disruptions in rail services. The Norsk Lokomotivførerforbund (NLF) is demanding equal pay for equal work and more predictable working hours, particularly in anticipation of the 2028 merger between Vy and Flytoget.

As the two companies prepare to merge, the NLF argues that Vy drivers require a gradual salary adjustment to ensure pay parity with Flytoget employees, who currently have higher base salaries. Union leader Rolf Ringdal criticized Vy’s stance, describing it as poor wage and personnel policy.

In response, the employer organization Spekter, representing Vy, stated that the proposed wage increase demanded by the union is more than three times the expected norm. Spekter noted that they have offered a 4.4 percent wage growth, aligned with other major labor sectors.

The strike has caused widespread cancellations, with Vy reporting 128 cancelled departures on Monday and 111 on Tuesday. The company has clarified that it will not provide alternative transport, such as buses, taxis, or flights, for affected passengers.