Norwegian trade union Industri Energi will expand the ongoing strike among Norwegian oil service workers by 23 people, on top of the 335 that went on strike on Sept. 21, a union spokesman told Reuters on Friday.
The strike affects operations of subcontractors to the oil industry, and could have consequences for the output of oil and gas in case of a protracted strike, the union and employers have both said.
"The strike has already halted a large number of drilling operations," said an official at the Industri Energi trade union, Ommund Stokka. It was not affecting oil and gas output at this stage, he added.
Union officials would meet next week to review the state of the strike and what to do next, he said.
Mediation between Industri Energi and the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association broke down earlier this week, triggering the initial strike at the Norwegian units of Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Oceaneering and Oceaneering Asset Integrity.
The negotiations were on behalf of about 6,500 union members at around 30 companies.
Norway is western Europe's top oil and gas producer, with state-controlled Statoil its largest firm.
Reporting by Terje Solsvik
Featured Jobs
Assistant, Associate or Professor 12 months and Vice Chair Engine License
Bronx, New York, United States
Third Assistant Engineer for the Ship Empire State VII (2 positions)
Bronx, New York, United States
Third Mate Compliance Officer for the Ship Empire State VII
Bronx, New York, United States
Research Vessel Chief Engineer
Weems, Virginia, United States
Master 5 Med
Docklands, VIC, Australia
AB to Join Bunkering Tanker (GT 975) 2700€
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Captain of the Training Ship & Vice President of Regimental Affairs
Bronx, New York, United States
Seamanship Manager
Astoria, OR, United States