Just over two years after the initial announcement, Ringnes is outsourcing the transportation of its products to wholesalers.
This means Asko, Coop, and Rema will take over the transport of goods from the factory to stores, via their own wholesale warehouses. Bring will handle tank beer transport to establishments across much of the country.
Monday, March 2nd, marked the first day of the new operational reality following significant layoffs.
– It feels a bit like a ghost town here. On one hand, you’re glad to still be here, but at the same time, you almost experience like an imposter. Why should I be allowed to stay, you realize? Many others deserved to stay. It’s very sad, says Tor Berge, while loading goods onto a forklift.
Tor Berge has experienced a full range of emotions over the past two years at Ringnes.
Erlend Angelo
Drivers Lost
The extensive changes at Ringnes have impacted many workers.
Just over one hundred drivers have lost their jobs. Only 30 remain, all based at the brewery in Gjelleråsen, outside Oslo.
All drivers in other locations – Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger, Arendal, Borgeskogen, Gol, Notodden, and Innlandet – have lost their jobs.
– It’s sad, of course. All the vehicles were delivered to Scania on Friday. An era is over, says Kenneth Bjørnestad to NNN-arbeideren.
He himself lost his job as a driver in Bergen, but has been fortunate enough to secure a new position as tank truck support.
However, the remaining 11 of his colleagues in Bergen have lost their jobs. Most have found new employment, with one becoming a bus driver, two joining Asko, and others now driving Ringnes beer for Bring. But the majority have moved on to completely different fields.
– This year marks the 150th anniversary of Ringnes brewery. Throughout its history, we’ve always had our own transport of goods, from horse and carriage to the present day. But now that’s over. It’s naturally bittersweet, says union leader Erik Torkelsen – himself a long-time driver at the company.
200 Affected
In total, just under 200 Ringnes employees in warehousing and transport have lost their jobs.
Just over one hundred of those were drivers, the rest in warehousing. Approximately 100 temporary employees must as well find new work.
Around 100 of the permanent employees have not yet found new work and are now being assisted by Ringnes’ own internal job placement service, which will aid them find new opportunities. Based on seniority, they have between 4-16 months to find new employment.
Those between 61-62 years old have had their early retirement benefits secured.
The Ringnes joint club in NNN has lost several union representatives and many members as a result of the downsizing at Ringnes. From left: Nina Kristin Herbst, Raymond Stensrud, and union leader Erik Torkelsen.
ERLEND ANGELO
Union representatives have participated in 500 meetings with individual employees, as well as 100 consultation meetings, over the past two years.
– We have collaborated well with the HR department, believes union leader Torkelsen.
The NNN union has fought hard for the seniority principle. Female employees have been prioritized, given that Ringnes is heavily male-dominated. Social considerations have also been taken into account. The maintenance department was excluded from the downsizing due to its expertise, Torkelsen explained.
– The negotiations have been tough, but we have stood firm for our members. There’s a lot we haven’t been able to discuss along the way, and we’ve received a lot of criticism. But that’s understandable, says Raymond Stensrud, a union representative from the technicians in the NNN union.
Goodbye – and Fine Luck
Tor Berge admits that he is among those who have questioned and criticized the union representatives.
– The union representatives have a lot of responsibility and influence, so we employees almost hold them accountable in a way, says Berge.
He himself had lost all hope of keeping his job, but at the beginning of February, he was informed that his position was secure.
– I was very afraid of losing my job. I’ve been very upset. I haven’t been sleeping well for a long time, says the warehouse operator.
There have been many emotions – for everyone. But tomorrow will come. Or rather, that day is already here.
– There’s no point in being angry anymore. Ringnes has made its decision, and we’ve done what we could to secure as many jobs as possible and help people as much as possible, says Bjørnestad in Bergen.
Back at the warehouse in Gjelleråsen, Berge said goodbye to several colleagues over the weekend. After a 13-hour shift on Saturday, they were suddenly no longer employed.
– Well, what do you say? It’s just goodbye – and good luck.
