Strikes begin in nine schools across Iceland as teachers seek resolution

Strikes have begun in nine schools across the country. Negotiating teams from the Icelandic Teachers’ Association and the Association of Local Authorities met late into yesterday without reaching an agreement.

Teachers from three primary schools, four preschools, a secondary school, and a music school initiated their strikes at midnight. The affected primary schools, where strikes will continue until November 22, are Áslandsskóli in Hafnarfjörður, Laugalækjarskóli in Reykjavík, and Lundarskóli in Akureyri. Additionally, teachers at Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands and Tónlistarskóli Ísafjarðar will strike until December 20. Furthermore, teachers at four preschools—Holt in Njarðvík, Ársalir in Sauðárkrókur, Leikskóli Seltjarnarness, and Drafnarsteinn in Reykjavík—have started an indefinite strike.

Magnús Þór Jónsson, the head of the Teachers’ Association, stated that a new phase in the dispute has begun. He expressed disappointment that their hopes of averting strike actions had not materialized. He noted, however, that the pressure has increased not only on the negotiation parties but also on the teachers themselves, prompting a call for more decisive steps toward reaching a resolution.

The next meetings in the ongoing saga will take place today with teachers and government representatives, followed by a meeting on Wednesday between teachers and the Association of Icelandic Municipalities. These will be working sessions rather than official negotiations.