Norway hotel strike widens as 1,000 more walk out

The ongoing hotel and restaurant strike in Norway intensified on April 23, with more than 1,000 additional workers walking out, raising the total number of strikers nationwide to nearly 3,000.

The escalation affects 79 businesses across several cities, including Tromsø, Trondheim and Sandefjord, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In Tromsø alone, 234 employees have joined the strike.

Union representatives say the industrial action could be prolonged. Julie Wilhelmsen, head of the Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions (Fellesforbundet) in Nord-Hålogaland, said the union is prepared for a lengthy dispute.

“We can continue for as long as necessary. We have a substantial strike fund and are willing to remain on strike until the employers return to the negotiating table,” she said.

The strike follows a breakdown in mediation on April 19 between unions — including Fellesforbundet and Parat — and the employers’ organisation, NHO Reiseliv, which represents businesses in the hospitality sector. Talks had focused on pay and working conditions.

Workers are demanding higher wages to improve purchasing power, as well as changes to sick pay arrangements. One key issue is the advance payment of sick pay, whereby employers would continue paying employees beyond the initial 16-day period before being reimbursed by the state.

Mahmoud Naffas, deputy leader of a workers’ committee at a hotel in Tromsø, said support for the strike is strong.

“Strike willingness among our members is high. Real wage increases are one of the most important reasons we are taking action,” he said.

Employers, however, argue that some of the demands place an unfair burden on businesses. Aina Borch, representing NHO Reiseliv and operating a hotel in Finnmark, expressed support for higher wages but criticised the focus on employers regarding sick pay.

“Sick pay is a state responsibility, and it is up to the authorities to resolve this issue,” she said. “If businesses are required to front these payments without certainty of reimbursement, it could reduce the funds available for wages.”

NHO Reiseliv’s director of labour relations, Magne Kristensen, confirmed there has been no recent contact between the parties but said companies are working to maintain services despite reduced staffing.

Meanwhile, union leaders have warned of further escalation. Fellesforbundet head Christian Justnes said additional strike action could be announced in the coming days if no progress is made.

“We will increase the pressure if employers do not meet us halfway,” he said.

The strike began on April 19 after mandatory mediation failed to produce an agreement. It initially involved nearly 2,000 workers in Oslo and Bergen before expanding to other parts of the country.

Union officials say the dispute highlights broader concerns over low wages in the sector. Some workers report earning around 75% of the average industrial wage, with unions arguing that the gap between low- and high-paid occupations continues to widen.

Negotiations remain at a standstill, with no new talks currently scheduled.