A planned strike involving nearly 7,000 construction workers in Norway has been avoided following a late-night agreement between the employers’ organization NHO Byggenæringen and the Norwegian Union of Construction Workers. The deal was reached after challenging mediation efforts early Friday morning. Workers will receive a wage increase of 6.50 Norwegian kroner per hour as part of the agreement. Additionally, the parties have established new regulations concerning the payment of sick leave benefits. The agreement prevents significant disruption to construction projects across the country. Negotiations had been ongoing for several days before the final breakthrough was achieved. Details of the new sick pay rules were not immediately disclosed.