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Approximately 20 priests, deacons, church musicians and other striking church employees participated in a celebration outside Asker Church on Christmas Eve.
Priests, deacons, church musicians and other striking church employees from all over the Oslo area were outside Asker church on Christmas Eve. Photo: Fredrik Hagen / NTB
– We have been singing and handing out angels. There are many who stop and put their thumbs up. People seem to partly know what we are doing, Heinke Foertsch, pastor of the Ellingsrud and Furuset churches and interim vice president of union theologians, tells NTB.
She says there was a lot of traffic in the cemetery despite the canceled services and that it is important for them to show sympathy for those who use the church.
– We are on strike because we hope it will also help to have a Christmas celebration in the future. It’s about recruiting, she says.
The background to the strike is that the employer from September next year will not extend an agreement that ensures all new employees permanent salary compensation of between 40,000 and 60,000 crowns. It was introduced when the rectory system was abolished.
What’s it like not to work on Christmas Eve this year?
– It’s a great loss, says Foertsch.
The strikers sang and distributed angels to passersby. Photo: Fredrik Hagen / NTB
