The Norwegian Professional Traffic Association welcomes over a hundred weekend drivers from Sporveien

The conflict in Sporveien

Since 1946, weekend tram and metro drivers have had their own elected representatives and a strong community. This structure has long been recognized by both Sporveien and the unions. However, in 2023 Sporveien changed its view and wanted to deal with only a combined selection of Fagforbundet's associations/clubs, which undermined Helgereverene's independence as a union and led to disagreements about how weekend employees' seniority and rights should be handled.

For many weekend drivers, there was concern that their specific interests and identity, which may differ from those of full-time employees, would easily disappear in a union. Having felt let down by both the employer and the Norwegian Trade Union Federation, the board of the Weekend Drivers Club therefore chose to seek a new home in YTF.

YTF's role in the case

YTF has long been a champion of fair working conditions, regardless of the professional group you belong to, your position or your working hours. The fact that the drivers have found their way to us is a declaration of trust, and we see it as our duty to also take care of their unique needs. With the establishment of a new department/union for the weekend drivers in YTF, they will retain the strong identity and autonomy that has been a success factor for almost 80 years.

"For us at YTF, it is important to support these drivers at a time when they feel overlooked. We want to help ensure that their voices are heard and that their specific rights are safeguarded in future negotiations," says Jim Klungnes, union leader at YTF.

Together we stand stronger.

Although Sporveien and some other players have expressed skepticism about the new organization, YTF is confident that this is the best solution to secure drivers' rights in the future. At YTF, weekend drivers will have opportunities to fight for their rights and not drown in larger structures or lose sight of their specific interests.

-We have already started the dialogue with Sporveien and will work to ensure that they recognize the new department in accordance with the agreement. Freedom of association in the workplace is fundamental and something we value highly, and we will continue to fight for fair conditions for all our members, says Klungnes.

The way forward

YTF sees this development as a positive step towards greater unity and influence for weekend drivers. We want to ensure that their needs for flexible working conditions and fair seniority calculations are met. -This is a fight that we are ready to take, and we are proud to be able to give weekend employees a safe platform where their voices are heard, concludes Klungnes.