Over 9,000 Norwegian industrial workers, including some at key oil services companies, warned at the weekend that they would strike on April 2 if government mediation over wages and pensions fail.

Initial talks had broken down and the parties continued forced mediation over the weekend.

“There is significant distance between the parties,” warned national mediator Nils Dalseide.

“I think we could come to an agreement but there is no guarante and there is a risk of strike up until the point of agreement.

“From experience these talks usually go on until the early hours after the deadline,” he added.

Norwegian unions and employers hold wage negotiations every other year.

Although unions have signalled muted wage demands this time around, they also want pension concessions which employers have flatly insisted that they are not willing to discuss.

The strike, if it goes ahead, could hit over 100 companies in the oil sector.