News

The Norwegian Postal Workers Union, Postkom, has finished bargaining three of their collective contracts and are now seeking members endorsement for the settlements.



For members in Norway Post chief negotiator Ingeborg Saetre has recommended accepting the new agreement. She said; “We have obtained a satisfactory result. 70% of members participated in the pre-negotiations debate and their feedback therefore provided clear guidelines for Postkom’s priorities in the negotiations. - We have achieved a result that also reflects the company's financial ability, and with a high social profile”



Along with some changes to social conditions, there is a general wage increase and increases in morning and afternoon supplements and to the additional fee for work on Saturday and Sunday. There was also agreement on the conditions for workers whose jobs are moved and some pilot schemes for managers bonus schemes.



For workers in the Bring Warehousing company and the Bring Express company the negotiations were difficult because of the economic situation in the company which had made a loss and which is operating in tough competitive environment



“Despite the company's financial capability, we have reached the finish with a result that gives members the real wage increase,” said chief negotiator Ingeborg Saetre.



The Bring Warehouse members had prioritised their objectives on achieving money claims and the result of the negotiations reflects that requirement. It has been agreed that there will be a general annual supplement and in addition it was agreed that there will be a “pot” to be divided equally with those on the lowest wages.



The Bring Express members had prioritised their objectives on achieving money claims and issues related to competence. The result of the negotiations reflected that requirement. It has been agreed that there will be a general annual supplement and in addition a supplement for low wage earners. They also agreed to to pay for the five officially recognised certificates per year are relevant to the enterprise and the individuals jobs and when the training is completed with an approved trade certificate awarded the workers will get an increase in salary.



For the Retail and Office workers, Postkom has agreed with the Financial Services Employers' Association for a new collective agreement.



The agreement includes a general increase in salary rates of 1.85%, and made adjustments to the pay scale. There was also agreement on a restriction on the use of temporary staff, and where the “equal treatment principle” has been introduced. The parties also agreed on a new basic collective contract.



In all cases the Postkom Board of Directors has endorsed the negotiation result and is recommending to members to vote yes at the referendum.