Icelandic Teachers’ Association offers to end strikes at preschools in Seltjarnarnes, Reykjavik, Reykjanesbær, and Sauðárkrók

The Icelandic Teachers’ Association (KÍ) has announced its readiness to cancel ongoing strikes at four preschools if the municipalities agree to pay the wages of striking staff. The strikes, which began on October 29, affect preschools in Seltjarnarnes, Reykjavik, Reykjanesbær, and Sauðárkrók.

The proposal has been formally communicated to municipal leaders in these areas, suggesting that the strikes could be called off starting November 27, contingent upon an agreement to ensure payment for the affected employees. The association pointed to precedents for such negotiations, recalling a one-day general strike by elementary school teachers in 2014.

Municipal officials have been requested to respond to this proposal by Monday at noon. Meanwhile, staff at an additional ten preschools have voted to initiate further strike actions beginning December 10.

The dispute highlights ongoing labor relations challenges within the education sector in Iceland, as municipalities navigate funding and operational constraints while ensuring fair compensation for workers.