Salvation Army day center in Trondheim remains closed as staff strike for better wages

The situation is evolving. Jøran is among several individuals who have been unable to receive food parcels at the Salvation Army’s day center for those struggling with substance abuse in Trondheim due to a strike by staff.

“The door was closed when I arrived. It’s tragic during the holiday season, and many are understandably frustrated,” he shared. However, food distributions may soon resume as the strike has ended for employees in private care services, including the Salvation Army.

Typically, the Salvation Army distributes between 100 and 150 food parcels every Friday, but the center was closed that day because of the ongoing strike, which had started on November 2. The employees, such as caregiver Kirsti Benberg, are striking for better wages, noting they earn significantly less than their counterparts in the public sector. “It’s painful to think about the people we can’t assist right now,” she expressed.

The Salvation Army had sought an exemption from the strike to continue food distributions, but the employer organization NHO declined to apply for one, citing that there is no immediate danger to life and health.

Mats Monsen from the union expressed disappointment at NHO’s decision, stating they had believed an exemption should have been considered for providing food assistance.

NHO has acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the strike but is currently engaged in mediation talks and deemed it inappropriate to comment further on the ongoing situation. Many individuals, like Jøran, wish they could access the services offered, including meals, coffee, and a safe place to warm up, especially during the festive period. Despite the inconvenience, Jøran empathizes with the employees’ need for fair compensation.