Norwegian SAS Cabin Crew Strike: Demand for Better Wages and Conditions

Cabin crew at Scandinavian airline SAS in Norway initiated a strike due to failed wage talks, demanding better salaries and working conditions. The strike, involving 120 initially with more expected, could affect operations beyond Norway. Previous strikes in 2022 led to significant flight disruptions.

Cabin crew at Scandinavian airline SAS in Norway went on strike on Friday, pushing for better salaries and working conditions after wage negotiations collapsed overnight, labor unions announced.

Initially, 120 employees joined the strike, with more expected to follow suit in the coming days, according to the two unions involved in the discussions. SAS did not immediately comment on the potential impact of the strike on its operations.

Norway's wage mediator stated that bridging the divide between SAS and the unions was unsuccessful. "There was no solution that both parties could recommend," said mediator Mats Wilhelm Ruland.

The Norwegian Federation of Trade Unions, representing 640 cabin crew members at SAS Norway, and Parat, part of the Confederation of Vocational Unions, which negotiated for another 240 employees, indicated that the strike could still impact routes beyond Norway. All other crew members—pilots and flight attendants from Sweden or Denmark—are not involved in the current strike.

Details of the negotiations remain confidential, but union leaders claim SAS cabin crew are paid 15% to 30% less than their counterparts at rival Norwegian Air. "SAS was unwilling to meet any of our demands, leaving us no choice but to strike," said Martinus Roekkum, head of the SAS Norway cabin association at Parat.

In 2022, a 15-day strike by SAS pilots resulted in 3,700 grounded flights. This strike coincided with SAS filing for U.S. bankruptcy protection, eventually leading to a takeover by hedge fund Castlelake, airline Air France-KLM, investment manager Lind Invest, and the Danish state.

(With inputs from agencies.)