Norwegian oil workers strike

Norwegian oil workers went on strike yesterday, cutting output from the world’s third-largest oil exporter, after two unions failed to reach a pension accord with employers.

About 200 workers at North Sea fields operated by Statoil ASA, ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil Corp have ceased work, said Bjoern Tjessem, deputy leader of the OFS labour union.

The action affects fields with total output of 455,000 barrels a day. Closure of all the fields would cost producers 115 million kroner ($16.6m) daily, the Norwegian Oil Industry Association said.

“It will take about one to two days to shut down production at the fields,” Mr Tjessem, who represents about 2,200 oil workers, said in a telephone interview.

Bi-annual talks between employers and the OFS and Lederne unions broke down on discord over pension plans and the use of temporary workers, he said.