Expects real wage growth in both the state and municipal sectors

– I am pleased that we managed to reach an agreement with the employer in all three negotiation areas.

That's what Jorunn Solgaard, Forskerforbundet's chief negotiator, says. She summarizes the results of the wage negotiations that concluded last week: In the state, KS and the municipality of Oslo.

The key to the agreement is the prospect of real wage growth for Unio's members – that is, wage growth appears to be higher than price increases. The financial framework ended at 4.4 percent in all three collective bargaining areas, a settlement in line with the results for the frontline sector. With an estimated price growth of 2.7 percent, there could be increased purchasing power for union members in the public sector. 

The State: Negotiated down the calculated wage carryover

As expected, the annual framework for the state sector became identical to the frontline sector result: 4.4%. When the wage carryover (1.4%) and wage drift (0.8%) are deducted, what remains is an available framework of 3.3% (2.2% on an annual basis) to be negotiated with effect from 1 May 2025.

– We are particularly pleased that the carryover from last year ended at 1.4%. Due to last year's strike, the wage carryover was calculated at 1.6%, because the National Wage Board set the effective date for the 2024-settlement to June 5, the day the strike ended. If we had had to accept a carryover of 1.6%, we would have received a double penalty for the strike: both one month less of arrears payment, and a smaller available framework in 2025. Fortunately, we succeeded with a demand that the carryover be calculated as if the strike had not taken place. This is an important principle and an important breakthrough, says Solgaard.

The entire available framework has been set aside for local negotiations, in line with Unio's demands and the outcome of the National Wage Board.

– We know that the local union representatives are doing a good job in the negotiations, and will ensure the members a good wage increase for 2025. If the forecast for price growth from the Technical Calculation Committee (TBU) holds up, there will be real wage growth this year as well, summarizes Solgaard.

See also: Where did my wage growth go? A guide to wages and wage growth (log in to My page)

Municipal sector (KS): In line with the frontline sector result

In the municipal sector, negotiations also ended with an annual framework in line with the frontline sector, at 4.4%.

– There were long and tough negotiations in KS, but the parties finally reached an agreement. Most of the members of Forskerforbundet have their salaries negotiated locally, and now they have a good starting point for these negotiations, says Solgaard.

Since LO and YS broke off the negotiations, this means that the local negotiations in chapters 3 and 5 cannot start until the result after mediation is clear.

– In the central negotiations (chapter 4), the members of Forskerforbundet came out relatively well, and a real wage increase is secured. For our groups, the supplement will amount to between 15,200 and 21,200 kroner, says the chief negotiator.

Oslo municipality: Breakthrough for review of wage frameworks

In the municipality of Oslo, which is a separate negotiation area, an agreement was also reached with the employer side.

– In the municipality of Oslo, we are pleased that we reached an agreement with the employer on a financial framework that ensures our members a solid real wage growth. Everyone receives 3.62% on the wage framework, a minimum of NOK 20,100. 20,100. The so-called "breakpoint" is at pay grade 31. That means that pay grade 31 is the first to give a percentage supplement instead of kroner, says Solgaard.

In addition, Unio submitted an addendum to the minutes regarding the need for adjustment negotiations, and the employer side submitted an addendum to the minutes regarding the need for "technical maintenance of the wage frameworks."

This is positive for Forskerforbundet, because we organize clinical dietitians and senior curators who are in the “wrong” wage framework.