The industrial partners – the employers’ and workers’ organisations – are responsible for the wage settlements and the industrial peace.

The right to industrial action, including both the right to strike and the right to lockout, is part of the right to free collective bargaining in Norway. No prohibition against strike or lockout exists, with exception for the military forces and senior civil servants.

Consequently, society and third parties have to endure the inconveniences caused by a labour conflict. Interference in a labour conflict will only be considered if the conflict has consequences for life or health, or has other seriously damaging effects on society.