Icelandic government reviews looming Icelandair mechanics strike

The Icelandic government discussed an impending strike by Icelandair aircraft mechanics at its meeting on Tuesday but made no decisions beyond continuing to monitor the situation, mbl.is reported.

Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, the minister of social affairs and housing, said after the meeting that he hoped the parties in the dispute would resolve the matter. Unless the situation changes, an indefinite strike will begin at midnight.

Asked whether the government had planned measures in the event of a strike affecting a large share of flights to and from Iceland, Ragnar said it had not. He said the government would continue to closely monitor developments throughout the day and into the evening.

Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Daði Már Kristófersson told Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, on Monday that the government would take whatever measures were necessary at any given time.

He described air travel as an economically important lifeline for Iceland, not only for tourism but also for the country’s connections with the outside world and a significant share of transport, including fresh fish.

He said the government was closely following the situation and would take the measures necessary when required.