Icelandic Teachers’ Association approves strike at eight schools amid ongoing negotiations

A strike has been approved at eight schools following a vote by members of the Icelandic Teachers’ Association. The strike is set to begin on October 29, unless an agreement is reached beforehand.

The vote concluded at noon, confirming a strike at all designated schools. The four preschools involved are Seltjarnarnes Preschool, Holt in Reykjanesbær, Drafnarsteinn in Reykjavík, and Ársalir in Sauðárkrókur. The three primary schools are Ásland School in Hafnarfjörður, Laugalækjaskóli in Reykjavík, and Lundarskóli in Akureyri. Additionally, a strike notice has been announced for Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands in Árborg.

Voting is still ongoing for a ninth school, a music school, where voting commenced one day later than the others.

Magnús Þór Jónsson, the chairman of the Icelandic Teachers’ Association, noted that the request for strikes arises from the leadership and negotiation committees of the member institutions. Their conclusion was that these eight schools should be asked whether they are prepared to go on strike in support of the union’s demands in negotiations.

The strikes are planned to occur at different lengths: preschools will initiate an indefinite strike until an agreement is reached, while primary schools are set for a four-week strike ending on November 22. Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands has declared a temporary strike lasting from October 29 to December 20.

A negotiation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, with efforts being made to reach an agreement before any strikes take place.