Teachers’ Association defends proposal to end strike at preschools in Iceland

The Teachers’ Association has responded to comments made by the chair of the municipal negotiation committee, who suggested that the association disrespected the right to strike for profit. The Teachers’ Association strongly contends that its recent proposal is legitimate and not out of bounds as suggested.

Magnús Þór Jónsson, the head of the association, addressed these issues in a meeting with candidates this week. The proposal, which aims to cancel a nearly four-week strike at four preschools, stipulates that municipalities pay the salaries of striking staff. The chair of the municipal committee, Inga Rún Ólafsdóttir, accused the association of exploiting the strike for financial gain, questioning the ethical implications of the move.

In its statement, the Teachers’ Association rebutted these claims, stating that there is precedent for such proposals, which are not in any gray area. They emphasize that negotiations can lead to agreements to postpone strikes if there is a willingness from both sides. Interestingly, Inga Rún had suggested last week that teachers might defer strikes under certain, albeit unspecified, conditions.

Municipalities must respond to this proposal before noon on Monday, with indications suggesting it will be rejected. Ongoing discussions in the dispute are taking place with the state mediator.

The Teachers’ Association criticized the notion that their proposal undermines the teachers, asserting that the responsibility for this situation lays with the municipalities. They highlighted that it is absurd for teachers to resort to a strike to ensure compliance with an agreement made in 2016. The fate of negotiations now rests with these municipalities and, ultimately, their attitudes toward teachers and education.