Icelandair mechanics reject CEO’s statements during strike vote

The Icelandic Aircraft Mechanics Association has criticised Icelandair chief executive Bogi Nils for his conduct and statements during a vote on whether to call a strike, mbl.is reports. The secret ballot among aircraft mechanics ends at noon.

The association also rejects the CEO’s claim that the mechanics’ pay demands are excessive or that their members’ working conditions have kept pace with those of comparable professions.

“Icelandair is free to explain the possible consequences of a strike, but when it is said that a strike could ‘almost close the country’ and a serious situation is presented for Icelandic society, with consequences for tourism, business and the economy, there is reason to pause,” the association said.

Most association members work for Icelandair and are now deciding whether they are prepared to stop work in the labour dispute. The association said negotiations had taken place without success and that the dispute had been before the state mediator since February.

“Aircraft mechanics are not voting on whether Iceland should be open or closed. Aircraft mechanics will not close the country,” the statement said. A strike would have a significant effect on Icelandair’s operations, it said, but Icelandair is not the only airline operating flights to and from Iceland.

The association said a strike was a lawful option in a labour dispute when negotiations had failed to produce an agreement and the legal conditions for industrial action had been met.