SAS flying again, but a new strike could ground Norwegian

Passengers advised to keep an eye on website

Mar 2, 2015

While striking SAS workers went back to work today, the problems at Norwegian Airlines may only be just beginning.

Around 70 Norwegian workers went on strike on Saturday after more than three months of negotiations over pay and conditions. The main obstacle has been the failure to reach agreements over pensions, wages and insurance.

There were already a few delays this morning, and there are fears that if Norwegian fails to reach an agreement with its pilots, a sympathy strike could end up involving as many as 700 pilots throughout Scandinavia, including 100 Danish pilots.

Scab pilots
The airline has said that staff normally based in Finland and Spain could be brought in if the strike expands. The union called bringing in pilots not covered by an agreement “scabbing”. Management rejected that characterisation.

“We would like to apologise to our passengers for the uncertainty this situation has caused,” Norwegian CEO Bjørn Kjos said in a statement over the weekend.

“Our wish has been to work out a common platform that takes into account the tough competition in the industry, secures everyone’s jobs and builds a strong company for the future.”

Stay updated
Kjos said that Norwegian would “do what we can to ensure the best possible way to take care of the passengers concerned” in the event of a strike. In Denmark, Norwegian flies over 50 departures daily from Copenhagen, Aalborg, Billund and Karup – all of which could be affected by a strike.

Passengers are advised to check the company's website for the latest information.