Unio state in place at the National Mediator
Three intensive days at the National Mediator's office await Unio's negotiators in the state.
– The goal is solid real wage growth and clear improvements to our collective agreement. I believe that we will be able to come to a solution, but there is a long way to go, says chief negotiator Steinar A. Sæther in Unio state.
26.05.2026
From the kick-off meeting of the mediation sprint led by national mediator Mats Ruland. Photo: Unio
Today at 10:00, the four main confederations Unio, Akademikerne, LO and YS met at the National Mediator's office. On the other side of the table sat the state's HR director Bente J. Kraugerud and her team. Thus, the mediation sprint has begun. This means long days and probably a night or two with National Mediator Mats Ruland.
Sæther was clear in his presentation today that Unio expects them to start talking about the economy first and foremost.
– It is crucial to put in place an economic framework that ensures real wage growth. Our members have expectations of increased purchasing power. During the negotiations, we spent a lot of time on issues related to the main collective agreement, but the economics of the settlement are just as important.
He was equally clear that Unio wants to keep the current collective agreement; where the entire salary pot is returned to the enterprises and local union representatives, without central guidelines.
– We have good experience with this and we want to continue with it. Anything else would be a weakening of our collective agreement and we obviously cannot agree to that.
He praised the counterparty for a "constructive and amicable" tone and for the fact that adjustments to the agreement text were started in the negotiations.
– We are prepared to build on the cooperation we had during the negotiations, and believe that it should be possible to come to a solution, Steinar A. Sæther concluded.
The mediation deadline is Thursday, May 28 at midnight.