Police staging second ‘sickie strike’?
Police are unhappy about pay. Photo: Styrmir Kári
A large number of police officers have called in sick again today, in what is believed to be unofficial strike action over pay and work conditions (more here).
The same wave of illness was seen last Friday, when some seventy police officers – mostly in the capital – called in sick. The action led to some police stations having to close for the day.
“[Owing to the absences], it will not be possible for the police to respond to everything they receive today, but matters considered urgent will of course be prioritised, as always,” reads the Reykjavik Metropolitan Police’s Facebook page.
“The Police apologises for any inconvenience caused and asks the public to show understanding and patience today.”
Today sees the arrival in Iceland of French President François Hollande for tomorrow’s Arctic Circle conference.
According to Iceland national broadcaster RÚV, French security specialists have visited Iceland to inspect the state of security in Iceland. Adequate police protection for the visit has reportedly been ensured.
