Potential strike looms for over 100 employees in Hornafjörður, Iceland

A potential strike involving over 100 employees of the municipality of Hornafjörður could have significant repercussions, particularly for preschools and primary schools, according to the town’s mayor. The union members of Afl, representing these workers, are currently voting on the strike authorization, which will conclude on September 24. If a strike is initiated, it would begin on October 2 and continue indefinitely.

Mayor Sigurjón Andrésson emphasized the extensive impact a strike would have on local services, stating, “It is evident that if over 100 employees at the Municipality of Hornafjörður go on strike, it will affect operations across preschools, primary schools, and various other activities. This would be a very serious situation.”

The dispute involves issues with collective agreements under the auspices of the state mediator, with the Association of Icelandic Municipalities representing local authorities in negotiations. Sigurjón noted that the Union of Workers had signed an agreement in early July, which included 17 member unions, but Afl chose to separate from this collective pact.

Current disagreements focus on two specific provisions that the municipality terminated in 2022, which Afl is seeking to reinstate. These provisions pertain to sick leave rights for children, which are not available to other preschool staff, and a one-time payment for clothing expenses. Sigurjón indicated that the municipality intends to address these rights differently.

The municipality had previously offered all workers with these rights what is referred to as a “sunset clause” after Afl’s departure from the agreement, but no responses were received. Meanwhile, Afl members across the south and southeast regions are awaiting wage adjustments that are expected to be retroactive to April 1.