Mediation continues for SAS cabin crew wage demands in Norway

On Thursday afternoon, neither NHO Luftfart, Parat, nor Fellesforbundet provided comments on the ongoing mediation process. According to Fellesforbundet, the parties were still far apart after meeting with the government-appointed mediator the previous day. The cabin crew’s demands include higher wages and improved working conditions.

The SAS Norway Cabin Association (SNK) stated that SAS cabin crew are the lowest paid in the country, with new hires earning 27,500 NOK before tax and receiving no additional pay for evening, night, or weekend shifts. They also highlighted their long working hours and short breaks.

As mediation continued late Thursday evening, national mediator Mats Ruland indicated that negotiations were still in progress. He expressed hope for a resolution but noted that issues surrounding working hours and finances are often more complicated in aviation than in other sectors.

At the start of mediation on Wednesday, Fellesforbundet’s secretary Dag-Einar Sivertsen acknowledged the challenging discussions ahead, emphasizing the substantial gap between the parties. NHO Luftfart’s managing director Erik Lahnstein commented that the current economic reconstruction of SAS adds to the challenge of reaching an agreement.

Should the mediation fail by midnight, 115 of the 640 cabin crew association members will go on strike, which Fellesforbundet warns could significantly impact SAS’s route network, resulting in numerous flight cancellations.

The low salary levels for cabin crew are attributed to several factors, including the need for 4 to 6 weeks of training for the role and intense competition from airlines based in countries with lower wage standards. If a strike prolongs, it could lead to significant consequences for SAS’s operations.