SAS Settles Norway Cabin Crew Strike with Wage Agreement

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has reached an agreement with its cabin crew in Norway, ending a strike that disrupted flights and stranded thousands of passengers. The strike, which began late last week, involved approximately 120 SAS employees who walked out in protest of inadequate pay and working conditions, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights.

This resolution comes as SAS continues to operate under US bankruptcy protection, a status the airline has maintained for over two years while attempting to reduce its debts and attract new investors. The airline’s financial difficulties have been compounded by high operational costs, reduced demand, and additional challenges such as the closure of airspace over Russia, affecting its long-haul operations.

The newly announced wage agreement includes a 7.5% salary increase for the cabin crew, along with additional time off and longer meal breaks between flights. Martinus Røkkum, Head of the SAS Norway Cabin Association (Parat), acknowledged that while SAS flight attendants' salaries remain below Norway's average wage, the deal represents a satisfactory compromise considering the airline's financial limitations.

“Given the employer’s stance that SAS still needs to save money and that we should forgo demands for higher pay, we are pleased with the settlement,” Røkkum said.

Jørn Eggum, Leader of the Federation of Trade Unions (Fellesforbundet), expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome. He noted that the flight attendants had achieved their key demands: improved pay, at least two free weekends per month, and guaranteed lunch breaks on the ground.