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Norwegian Strike Talks Today?

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5 August, 2005ICEM News release No. 41/2000

Talks could begin today on the dispute that has shut down much of Norway's private sector.

National labour federation LO called its secretariat into special session immediately after a press conference in Oslo this morning. LO President Yngve Hagensen told journalists that exploratory discussions have already taken place with the employers' federation NHO.

"These could - and I emphasise the could - lead to a resumption of negotiations with NHO as early as today," Hagensen said.

But strike action could continue in parallel with any negotiations, he stressed.

"If we are to succeed in the negotiations, we must demonstrate our strength," Hagensen explained.

84,600 Norwegian workers have been on strike across the private sector since 3 May, following the membership's rejection of a previous mediated settlement offer. The strike is scheduled to spread at 6.00 a.m. tomorrow local time, after which a total of 102,119 workers will be out.

Industrial unions affiliated to the 20-million-strong International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM) are playing a major part in the campaign.