The Scandinavian pilot strike at Norwegian is finally over, after 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.
Norwegian stated that it was important for it 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”. The airline states that the new collective agreement 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,” the airline said in a statement.
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