Norwegian energy giant Equinor faces mounting scrutiny over illegal employment contracts for foreign workers at its facilities. Top executives were called before the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway to explain widespread labor violations uncovered in recent investigations. The situation has escalated to involve direct intervention from Norway's Energy Minister.
Investigations reveal that dozens of contracted workers receive temporary five-week contracts repeatedly. This practice allows staffing agencies to terminate workers immediately after each assignment ends. Many workers report going without pay during gaps between contracts despite technically having permanent positions.
Petroleum Safety Authority Director Sigve Knudsen stated they emphasized the seriousness of these contract issues during meetings with Equinor leadership. He expressed expectation that Equinor monitors its entire supply chain compliance. The regulatory director confirmed the company committed to thorough review of these practices.
Energy Minister Terje Aasland summoned both the Petroleum Safety Authority and the Labor Inspection Authority for emergency meetings. He described the uncovered conditions as incompatible with Norwegian labor values. The minister declared cleaning up these practices absolutely crucial for worker protection.
Equinor executive Irene Rummelhoff acknowledged the company takes the reported conditions seriously. She confirmed Equinor works with suppliers to address the allegations. The company established a working group to examine current practices and recommend strengthened supplier oversight.
The controversy emerges alongside ongoing investigations into separate safety incidents. These include a fatal accident at the Mongstad facility and gas exposure cases at Melkøya. The timing raises questions about systemic safety and compliance issues within Norway's largest energy company.
Opposition politicians demand comprehensive independent investigation. Socialist Left Party deputy leader Lars Haltbrekken argues Equinor cannot investigate itself. He calls for complete review of the company's health, environment and safety work with ministerial intervention.
Norwegian labor law requires permanent base contracts for all workers, including temporary staff. Employers must provide position percentages matching actual working hours. Evidence shows many contracts specify 20-50% positions while workers actually work substantially more hours.
The case highlights challenges in regulating multinational supply chains within Norway's strict labor framework. It raises questions about enforcement capabilities when violations occur through subcontracting arrangements. Regulatory authorities acknowledge ongoing discussions with the Energy Department about addressing these jurisdictional limitations.
This situation represents a significant test for Norway's reputation maintaining high labor standards in its dominant energy sector. The outcome could influence how international companies operating in Norway manage their contractor relationships and compliance systems.