In April, the parties to the lead sector settlement – covering internationally exposed industries – reached an agreement following compulsory mediation.
The settlement includes agreement on an overall framework for annual pay growth in 2026 of 4.4 per cent. This framework consists of wage carry‑over from last year, the effects of the central settlement, and estimated wage drift – i.e. pay increases that occur during the year outside the central collective agreements.
This 4.4 per cent framework from the lead sector will now serve as the reference for subsequent pay settlements under Offshore Norway’s collective pay agreements.
The lead sector model is a cornerstone of coordinated pay formation in Norway. Under this model, pay developments in internationally exposed industries set the norm for pay growth in other sectors. This is important in order to avoid an unsustainable pay race between different employee groups, which could result in excessive pay growth and ultimately threaten employment.
The trade union Styrke, the Norwegian Union of Energy Workers (Safe) and the Norwegian Organisation of Managers and Executives (Lederne) are negotiating on behalf of the employees, while Offshore Norge represents the employers.
Dates for this year’s settlements:
- 28–29 April: Offshore agreements for employees in operator, drilling and catering services. Covers approximately 8,000 organised employees represented by the trade union Styrke, the Norwegian Union of Energy Workers (Safe) and the Norwegian Organisation of Managers and Executives (Lederne).
- 11–12 May: Oil Service Agreement / Well Service Agreement for employees in oil service companies. Covers more than 7,200 organised employees represented by the trade union Styrke and the Norwegian Union of Energy Workers (Safe).
- 20 May: Oil Industry Agreement / Oil Agreement for onshore employees in operator companies. Covers more than 5,200 organised employees represented by the trade union Styrke and the Norwegian Union of Energy Workers (Safe).
- 27 May: Land Base Agreement for employees at supply bases. Covers just under 900 organised employees, mainly represented by the trade union Styrke.
For further information, please contact:
Communications manager Kolbjørn Andreassen +47 95 28 28 08
Communications manager Stian Danielsen +47 46 74 41 93
