No embassy strike - The agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strengthens members’ co-determination

After two days of intensive mediation, Delta and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) have agreed on a solution that will strengthen the co-determination of locally employed staff at Norwegian foreign missions. 

At the same time, it is clear that the announced strike at the embassy in Stockholm has been averted. 

A seat at the table

– We could have wished for an even better result, but we have taken many steps in the right direction. Our members’ elected representatives will now have regular meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and can raise issues they believe are important for locally employed staff. They have finally got a seat at the table, says Delta president Trond Ellefsen. 

Delta has worked intensively and systematically with the rights of locally employed staff for several years. That work has now yielded visible results. Delta UDLAF (the association for locally employed staff at the foreign missions) is now recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Read more: This is UDLAF

– The agreement that has now been reached is a clear step in the right direction, and we will ensure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs follows up on what is in the solution, says Trond Ellefsen. 

The agreement includes the following: 

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commits to establishing a scheme for collaborative sessions with Delta. 
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes Delta UDLAF. 
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will carry out work in 2024 together with Delta to see how co-determination at foreign missions can be strengthened. The work is carried out in the collaborative sessions. 
• The collaborative sessions should be held at least four times a year. 

Information meeting for members

Delta will soon invite the members of Delta UDLAF to a meeting where more details about the agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be provided. 

There are approximately 1,100 locally employed staff at Norwegian foreign missions. 

Locally employed staff are individuals who work locally at each foreign mission. Locally employed staff work side by side with Norwegian diplomats, promoting Norwegian interests in all fields such as politics, culture, education, and business - in addition to administrative and consular tasks, project management, and other tasks related to operations.