Doctors in Iceland prepare for potential strike amid wage negotiations with government

Doctors in Iceland are preparing for a potential strike amid ongoing wage negotiations with the government. During a large meeting of the Icelandic Medical Association, members expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in their salary dispute, calling for the leadership and negotiation committee to start organizing a strike authorization if an agreement is not reached in the coming days.

Steinunn Þórðardóttir, the chair of the association, noted that attendees quickly shifted the discussion towards the possibility of striking. The meeting emphasized the need for immediate preparations and obtaining member approval for the strike if negotiations fail.

Physicians are feeling increasingly impatient, with many believing their patience has run out. “People feel that the perseverance we have shown has hit its limit and that we must push for some kind of response from the government,” said Þórðardóttir.

Since the dispute was referred to the state mediator in March, a resolution has yet to be achieved, marking nearly a decade since doctors last went on strike. The last doctors’ strike occurred in 2014, which was unprecedented in Iceland’s history.

While emphasizing the dire situation in the healthcare system, Þórðardóttir acknowledged the reluctance to resort to striking. “We are aware of the implications and are hesitant to take this route, but if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, it will be challenging to ensure staffing and the functionality of the healthcare system,” she stated.