Discussions to avert strike action have broken down between union leaders and employers in Norway with a mediator having to be brought in.
Talks failed to reach a deal in wage talks yesterday, heightening the risk that widespread strikes could take place within Europe’s largest producer of crude oil.
A state-appointed mediator has been brought in to break the deadlock between the two sides.
The last major oil worker strike in Norway hit back in 2012, shutting down yards and suppliers, and lasted 16 days before government intervention.
Onshore processing and export facilities for natural gas could also see strikes, unions warned.
Oil service firms that could be directly affected as a result of the talks are thought to be Aker Solutions and Kvaerner while Statoil, Aker BP and Shell could also be at risk of potential strike action.
Last week, employers and labour unions began four weeks of wage talks to thrash out a deal and avoid widespread strikes by the 7 April deadline.
The talks will also tackle current concerns over pension reform.
Speaking to Reuters last week, Asle Reime, labour union negotiator, said: “We’ve understood that there is no real will among employers to compromise from the outset. Pension rights are important to all workers regardless of which industry they are in, that’s why I think there is more weight behind the demands this year and also more willingness to strike.”
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