Expects real wage growth
"Our members must get their rightful share of the value they create in the workplaces," says Oddvar Steinhaug, head of NITO Samfunnsbedriftene.
"The companies are completely dependent on our members' efforts to deliver good services to society," Steinhaug points out.
Demands real, local negotiations
He emphasizes that NITO stands by its demand for real, local wage negotiations in 2026 as well.
"We expect employers to carry out actual and constructive negotiations locally. Local settlements are a prerequisite for companies to be able to use wages as a tool at a time when the battle for skills is tougher than ever," says Steinhaug.
Real wage growth is necessary
With high pressure on engineering expertise in many of Samfunnsbedriftene's industries, NITO believes that employers must now take into account the reality in which members are facing.
"We are talking about key competencies that keep critical infrastructure running, ensure emergency preparedness, work with digitalization and contribute to the green shift. Employers must use wages actively to recruit and retain the skills they are completely dependent on. Our members create great value – and they deserve to be rewarded for it," the Collective Bargaining Committee Chair points out.
Travel regulations: – Overripe for update
Another issue that NITO wants to shed light on in this year's negotiations is changes to the travel regulations, which in NITO's view lag far behind today's working life.
"The travel regulations are simply overripe for revision. The current rules are outdated and do not reflect the working day that our members have. If engineers are to continue to be able to solve assignments efficiently across locations, the framework conditions must be in place," Steinhaug concludes.
