Forced mediation scheduled as Norway's train strike deadlocked over pay and hours

Norway's ongoing train strike, now in its third week, continues without a settlement as the Norwegian Locomotive Drivers' Union (NLF) and employer organization Spekter prepare for compulsory mediation before the National Mediator. The conflict, sparked by the Vy-Flytoget merger, focuses on aligning pay systems and adjusting working hours, with the union demanding equal pay for equal work. Rolf Ringdal, NLF's leader, argues the latest employer proposal could lower salaries for many drivers, a point Spekter's Tonje Sagstuen rejects, insisting no real wage reduction is involved.

The union also warns it will not raise strike actions until after the mediation. The forced mediation on Friday offers a final chance to bridge the gap, though the mediator cannot impose a deal.