May 1 in Pictures
The rally in Reykjavík was very well attended. Haraldur Jónasson/Hari
International Workers’ Day was celebrated with rallies all over Iceland yesterday. Unions first celebrated this day in Iceland in 1923, making yesterday the 97 th time that workers flock together on May 1 to express their demands.
Workers held numerous signs, expressing their demands. Haraldur Jónasson/Hari
Rallies were held in 30 municipalities in the country. In their addresses, union leaders emphasized that the battle for better wages will never end. They spoke of the fight for good housing at affordable prices and about the need for solidarity when seeking better living conditions.
Haraldur Jónasson/Hari
Drífa Snædal, president of ASÍ, the Icelandic Confederation of Labor, addressed workers at Hof Cultural Center in Akureyri, North Iceland. She spoke of increased inequality in society in the past decades and the need for a fair distribution of wealth.
Speeches were given on Ingólfstorg square. Haraldur Jónasson/Hari
On VR union’s web page, union leader Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, emphasized the importance of following through with issues included in recently approved wage contracts that promise an improved quality of life.
Haraldur Jónasson/Hari
Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, leader of Efling union, addressed workers on Ingólfstorg square in Reykjavík. She stressed that the strikes this winter had shed light on the unyieldingness and alienation faced by workers in Iceland. Supporters of the status quo should get used to the idea that workers are ready to demand their rights more than once a year, she stated.
The rally down Laugavegur was led by two brass bands. Haraldur Jónasson/Hari
Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, leader of Efling union, addresses workers on Ingólfstorg square. Haraldur Jónasson/Hari
