Akademikerne and Unio have both been on strike since Friday 24 May after mediation did not lead to progress in this year's main settlement.
On Sunday evening, the government decided to intervene with a compulsory wage tribunal. The reason is that the escalation of the strike that was announced from Monday 3 June would have too serious consequences.
"We made it very clear before the negotiations started: We wanted to extend an agreement that had been made. Instead, the state forced us into a conflict we never wanted. Now we are forced to end the strike. We are disappointed with the other party," says Kari Nordli, leader of Akademikerne stat.
"We have said it in the negotiations, we said it in the mediation and we have been on strike for ten days to get the message across: It is completely out of the question for us to accept a worse collective agreement than the one we already have. An agreement that is not only good for our members, but also for the state employers," says Kristian Botnen, head of NITO Stat.
Akademikerne's goal has been to bring the state back to the negotiating table.
"We have processed about 310 applications for exemptions since the strike began, and granted about 30 percent. Our members must also be able to use the strike weapon. We have fought a legitimate battle for our members' interests," says Nordli.
"A big thank you to the members!
"We are impressed by the willingness of our members to strike. To be allowed to negotiate their salary locally, with an employer who sees their expertise, is something they feel strongly about," says Kristian Botnen, head of NITO Stat.
"A big thank you to everyone who has gone on strike, who has stood on the picket line, turned up at a strike café and supported us at strike demonstrations," he continues.
"This conflict has highlighted how important our members are for society to go around. When the services we all take for granted do not work as they should, it has an effect on most people as well," Nordli concludes.
Back to work from Monday morning
The strike is now over. On Monday, all NITO and Akademiker members who have been on strike will go back to work.
Compulsory wage tribunal on Sunday only applies to Akademikerne, not Unio. They will therefore continue to strike.
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