Association of Icelandic Municipalities files lawsuit against Icelandic Teachers’ Association over planned strikes

The Association of Icelandic Municipalities has filed a lawsuit against the Icelandic Teachers’ Association over planned strike actions set for the end of the month. Heida Björg Hilmisdóttir, the chair of the Association, considers the strike notification illegal due to the absence of specific demands in their wage dispute.

She stated that when the strike was announced, no set demands from the Teachers’ Association were in place, prompting her organization to take legal action. “We felt compelled to do this, as we had not received any formal demands from them,” she explained.

Currently, discussions are underway with the Teachers’ Association, and Hilmisdóttir expressed optimism about finding a resolution without resorting to strikes, emphasizing the importance of dialogue. “It is essential for us to sit down with the demands laid out and try to come to an agreement before a strike is called. We are fully committed to this and wish to avoid any confrontational measures,” she added.

The last meeting in the wage dispute was held with the state mediator earlier today. Magnus Thór Jónsson, the chair of the Teachers’ Association, mentioned prior to the meeting that there was little hope for reaching an agreement today or tomorrow as the gaps remained significant.