Efling and Association of Welfare Service Providers sign landmark contracts for nursing home staffing in Iceland

Contracts have been successfully negotiated between Efling, a labor union, and the Association of Welfare Service Providers. The agreements were signed shortly after midnight and will apply retroactively from April 1 for a duration of four years, covering over 3,000 employees at nursing homes and similar institutions in the capital region and Hveragerði.

A key objective of Efling was to improve staffing levels in nursing homes to alleviate pressure on staff members. The contracts include a stipulation that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health must devise financially backed solutions to address staffing shortages by April 1, 2025. Should they fail to do so, Efling may terminate the contract with one month’s notice on May 1.

Efling members have reported poor working conditions and increased stress, corroborated by statistical data from a 2021 report led by Gylfi Magnússon. This contract marks the first specifically negotiated for nursing home staff, who have previously been covered under broader agreements with the government.

Efling expressed pride in achieving governmental engagement to tackle the staffing crisis, emphasizing its significance for the welfare of residents, their families, and professionals working in Icelandic nursing homes. Additionally, the agreement introduces a new job title for team leaders, enhancing compensation for staff with considerable responsibilities, and allows for the election of up to five workplace representatives based on facility size.

Efling’s chair, Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, emphasized the importance of this development and plans to present the agreement to members, with voting scheduled to conclude by October 16.