The pilot strike in Norwegian is finally over

The Scandinavian pilot strike at Norwegian is finally over. Norwegian has gone to great lengths to reach an agreement to resolve the dispute, which has now lasted for 11 days. “I am very relieved that the strike has been called off and that our passengers finally can feel confident that our flights will operate as normal again. I am terribly sorry for the problems our passengers have experienced as a result of the pilot strike,” said Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos.

For Norwegian, it has been important to reach agreements that recognize the authority the company’s board and management have in order to continue to build a modern corporate structure that is internationally competitive. It has also been central to the negotiations not to abandon Norwegian’s right to control the company and the opportunity to adapt in an industry that is constantly changing. With the new collective agreement, the company has established a contributory pension (innskuddspensjon) for the pilots, a reduced Loss of License insurance, as well as a more flexible work schedule..

The Scandinavian pilots’ collective agreement has some of the best terms in the industry. The agreement has been signed with the Scandinavia pilot companies in which they are hired. In addition, the Norwegian Group has given an extraordinary guarantee of employment for all the pilots employed in Scandinavia. Such a guarantee is unique in Scandinavia, especially in a competitive industry like aviation. This guarantee is valid until October 2017.

“Thank you to all the passengers and employees”
“I am very relieved that the strike has been called off and that our passengers finally can feel confident that our flights will operate as normal again. The company has incurred substantial financial costs. It has been an extremely challenging period both for our passengers and our many employees who have been working day and night to take care of customers in the best possible way. I am also very grateful for the patience and support that we have received from the public,” said Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos.

It will take some time before our operations are back to normal as many of Norwegian’s aircraft and staff are not positioned for tomorrow’s traffic. Information about tomorrow’s flight program can be found here.

Media Contact:
Norwegian’s Press Office, + 47 815 11 816

More information about the terms:

• A guarantee of employment for three years for all pilots in Scandinavia(i.e. a guarantee against downsizing in the pilot companies)
• Master seniority list for all pilots based in Europe
• No additional salary increase during 2015
• A minimum of 184 days off per year (almost the same as today)
• Marginal  changes in working hours and flexibility
• Pension: Contributory pension (innskuddspensjon), including benefit pension scheme      (ytelsespensjon) for those who have 15 years or less left until retirement (65 years)
• A Loss of License insurance of 30G; a tax-free payment of approximately 2.65 million NOK
• Joint negotiation for the Norwegian, Swedish and Danish pilots