All craftsmen strikes postponed
Photo: Ernir Eyjólfsson
Iceland Monitor reported yesterday that three of the six craftsmen unions in pay negotiations with the State had postponed strike action over the weekend. The remaining three followed suit yesterday.
The upshot of yesterday’s eight-hour talks is that all six unions have now postponed strike action until 22 June, in the hope of finding a resolution before then.
The unions in question are: Félag hársnyrtisveina (hairdressers), Grafía/FBM (printers), MATVÍS (caterers), RSÍ (electrical and electronic engineers), Samiðn (construction and industrial workers) and VM (metal technicians).
Of particular concern to expats living in Iceland and to the tourism industry is the industrial action contemplated by MATVÍS and RSÍ, which could lead to disruption to hotels and restaurants and flights, respectively.
There is, however, still a question mark over whether or not a deal will be struck before 22 June, the new date set for strike action.
“We have make some progress,” said Guðmundur Ragnarsson, Charmain of VM, after yesterday’s meeting with the State Mediator. “Progress enough to postpone strike action, but there is still work to be done. It is difficult to say [whether a deal will be struck before 22 June] at this stage. […] We still need to see what we can achieve regarding other aspects.”
Members of the Icelandic Association of Academics (BHM) and the Icelandic Nurse’s Association remain on strike.
