Arnaldur Grétarsson seeks presidency of Iceland’s labour federation

Arnaldur Grétarsson has announced his candidacy for president of the Icelandic Confederation of Labour, ASÍ, at the organisation’s 47th congress, which will be held from 14 to 16 October, mbl.is reports.

In a statement announcing his candidacy, Grétarsson said he sensed a strong call for ASÍ to take a more forceful role in Icelandic society.

“It is time to update the struggle and adapt it to the major challenges facing wage earners,” he said.

Grétarsson said the tasks ahead were substantial, including addressing the effects of new technology and artificial intelligence on the labour market.

He has worked within the labour movement for many years, including around six years at ASÍ. He said he wanted to see a strong and progressive confederation that provided its member organisations with effective services.

“I want to see a Confederation of Labour that can be an arsenal for its organisations when challenges arise, while also handling the most important advocacy work for Icelandic society: protecting the interests of wage earners,” Grétarsson said.