Norwegian strike wins better deal

A strike in large parts of the Norwegian private sector has ended this month after an improved offer by the employers. The strike started on 3 May after workers rejected by a two-thirds majority a draft agreement on pay increases and increased holidays. Following a strike by some 80,000 employees, the biggest industrial action in Norway since 1986 a new agreement was reached on 9 May containing significant improvements. Hourly rates were increased by Euro0.17 per hour, twice the initial Euro0.085 with higher rates for the lower paid. There will be two days' extra holiday in 2001 rather than one initially proposed as part of a move to an additional week's holiday. The agreement will run for two years rather than three with a overall increase of Euro0.12 per hour in the second year.