The workers have been laid off by major players Schlumberger, Halliburton and Baker Hughes, with most of them drawn from the ranks of the latter contractor, according to a statement from industry body Norwegian Oil & Gas (Norog).
Norog also warned there could be further lay-offs by affected companies in the coming days.
Baker Hughes had previously issued an internal circular warning of possible lay-offs if there was no resolution of a pay dispute in state-mediated talks between IE and Norog.
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