Almost all flights by Norwegian in Sweden, Norway and partly in Denmark, as well as air service between Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen will remain canceled on Saturday, March 7, as all 700 pilots employed by the carrier are on strike and 800 cabin staff were sent home without pay in a Norwegian-imposed lockout.
The decision could affect more than 35,000 passengers, the carrier — Europe's third-largest budget airline — said in a statement Tuesday.
The decision could affect more than 35,000 passengers, the carrier — Europe's third-largest budget airline — said in a statement Tuesday.
The main point of contention is pilot's desire to keep a collective bargaining agreement with the parent company to safeguard their jobs and to standardize salary conditions for all pilots employed in the various Scandinavian subsidiaries.
Norwegian, which last year suffered its first loss in eight years, is looking to reduce the costs and benefits for pilots, and increase job flexibility.
Negotiations between the company executives and the strikers resumed on Friday evening and Saturday morning, but yielded no result.
Meanwhile, some commentators believe the walkout could encourage a switch to more environmentally-friendly aviation fuel and promote the idea of virtual conferences people can participate in without leaving home.
