Icelandic state declares doctors’ strike notice unlawful, fueling tensions in wage negotiations

The Icelandic state has declared the notice of a doctors’ strike, scheduled to begin on November 18, as unlawful, leading to concerns regarding escalating tensions in ongoing wage negotiations. Steinunn Þórðardóttir, the chair of the Icelandic Medical Association, fears this decision may prompt stronger actions from the union earlier than expected.

“Given that the state views the strike notice as illegal, we completely disagree,” Steinunn stated, emphasizing that previous similar notices had not been challenged a decade ago. The recent stance from the government has been met with discontent among the union’s members, and it was communicated during the association’s annual meeting.

Steinunn expressed concern over the potential for increased severity in negotiations, which the union had perceived as progressing well thus far. The government’s unexpected decision has disappointed the members significantly, with Steinunn noting that the association needs to analyze the state’s objections before determining their next steps.

One possible outcome could involve the need for a repeat vote or further delays in the planned strikes. “If we must revisit voting or similar actions, this could postpone the strike. However, that would likely lead to greater tension in the dispute, as our members are particularly unhappy with this latest government maneuver,” she added.

The situation remains fluid, as the strike could be pushed back or intensified based on the union’s strategy in response to the government’s claims. As the negotiations continue, the association seeks to find a resolution that satisfies its members.