Labor union Virðing faces backlash from BHM and BSRB in Iceland

The new labor union named Virðing, recently established by the Association of Restaurant Enterprises, has drawn criticism from existing unions BHM and BSRB. Both organizations accuse Virðing of undermining employee rights by creating what they label a “sham union.”

In a shared statement, BHM and BSRB argue that the formation of Virðing violates essential principles of the labor market, which dictate that unions should be founded by the workers themselves. They assert that while the membership dues for Virðing may be similar to those of other unions, the benefits and rights provided to its members fall significantly short of industry standards. Key issues highlighted include inadequate provisions for employee benefits, vacation rights, termination procedures, and entitlements within sickness funds.

The statement further condemns the actions of employers who allegedly seek to weaken workers’ rights through the establishment of such entities. BHM and BSRB view these developments as unacceptable and a direct threat to the integrity of labor rights in the sector.

As discussions surrounding labor rights and union representation continue, the establishment of Virðing and its implications for restaurant employees remain a contentious topic in Iceland’s labor landscape. The evolving narrative reflects broader concerns about fair representation and the protection of worker rights in increasingly complex economic environments.