The opposing sides in the long-lasting conflict appeared to have little to discuss but a surprising compromise settlement was hammered out after a full day of discussions.
Since the key issue behind the strike was to secure advantages for organized labor over their non-union colleagues - an issue not covered by the proposed compromise - the solution may not be final.
Deputy leader Lars M. Johnsen of the Transport Workers Union expected continued debate about the settlement before members finally voted in mid-June. Johnsen could not rule out a renewal of the strike.
The compromise gave workers a pay raise and established a fund, paid for by management and governed by labor and employers, to be used to promote union activities.
In the meantime workers were scrambling to restore normal service to the nation's stores.
First out to shops were dry goods and other items with long shelf lives. Missing stock with a shorter shelf life, like cheeses, would not appear at once since they would first have to start moving from producers.
