Log in
Search
When Norway needs to transport military equipment, fuel, food, medicine and people in a crisis, much of the work will be done by civilian transport companies and ordinary transport workers.
A shortage of drivers in the total defense could become a serious problem if Norway is hit by a crisis or war.
See the entire debate from Arendalsuka at the bottom of the article.
About 90 percent of the transport in major NATO military operations is carried out by civilian actors. Total defence is therefore dependent on drivers, mechanics, traffic controllers, terminal workers and businesses that normally keep society running.
But the industry is already short of people in peacetime. County municipalities report staffing problems in ordinary transport, and NHO Transport has estimated that the bus industry needs around 800 new drivers. Among goods transport, there is a shortage of around 2,000 drivers a year.
In Europe, there is a shortage of over half a million professional drivers today.
In other words, there is no large reserve that automatically appears when the need increases.
Duty is not a staffing plan
Norway has legislation that allows for civilian work obligation in times of war and serious security crisis. This does not mean that all drivers have work obligation today. How the scheme will be used for drivers and other transport workers still depends on regulations and specific planning.
An order may get someone to show up when the need arises. It cannot create experience, professional competence, well-rested drivers, or trust overnight.
Therefore, staffing must be strengthened now. More people must be trained. More people must remain in the profession. Working hours, pay, safety and the opportunity to combine work with family life are also part of the preparedness.
Drivers and union representatives must also know what is expected of them. They must participate in planning and exercises, and receive clear answers about who is responsible if a mission is dangerous or something goes wrong.
Plans must work in practice
This was the background then YTF brought together the authorities, employers, truck owners and workers for a debate at Arendalsuka about transport preparedness in crisis and war.
The gist is simple: It is not enough to know how many buses and trucks there are. Norway needs to know how many can actually be put into operation, who will drive them, and how long transport can be kept running.
The panel consisted of:
- Jakob Vorren – State Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Communications
- Jofri Lunde – Director of Industrial Policy, NHO Transport
- Knut Gravråk – CEO, NLF
- Betina Slagnes – Researcher, UiO
- Trude Sande – Federation Leader, Yrkestrafikkforbundet
