Oil and gas workers are on strike in Norway, and it's escalating Europe's natural-gas crisis a week before a key pipeline with Russia shuts for maintenance
Business InsiderDec 29, 2022
The Facts
Late on Tues., the Norwegian labor ministry confirmed it had exercised its right to intervene with, and cease the strike of Norway's offshore oil and gas workers. Employees stopped work on Tues. morning, demanding wage increases to help them cope with rising inflation. The strike forced the closure of three fields in the North Sea and caused a spike in natural gas prices.
The government cited its right to intervene in strikes under "extraordinary circumstances," as the industrial action threatened to cut the country's gas exports by almost 60%. The imposition of a forced settlement is intended to avoid exacerbating an energy crisis in the EU.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Government intervention was more than justified. Norway plays a vital role in supplying gas to Europe, and the planned escalation of the strike would've had alarming consequences. Given the energy crisis and the geopolitical situation in Europe, the Norwegian government had to impose a forced settlement to conclude the conflict.
Establishment-critical narrative
Accelerating inflation has eroded workers' wages and employees were exercising their rights in striking. The government shouldn't only be concerned about the impacts of the Ukraine war at national levels, it should address and protect citizens from the cost of living crisis sparked by Russia's invasion.