There could be a light at the end of the tunnel for thousands of workers, as collective bargaining negotiations have led to a proposed wage-rise framework.
Collective bargaining talks between the Union of Public Servants (SFR), the Paramedics Society of Iceland (SLFÍ), The National Police Federation of Iceland (LL) and the government have been going well, RÚV reports, to the point where an actual wage-rise framework has been established.
Negotiators still need to work out what the rises will ultimately be, and how they will be distributed, but SFR chairperson Árni Stefán Jónsson told reporters talks have been moving in the direction of an agreement. However, other details still need to be sorted, such as the work arrangements for shift workers.
The negotiations taking a turn for the better could prevent a general strike, which is scheduled to begin November 16.
SFR and SLFÍ workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of going on strike last September, affecting numerous government offices – including Iceland’s state-run alcohol shops.
The police, who have not had the right to strike since 1986, have nonetheless engaged in organised action to push back against their employers, such as declining to fine people for speeding, thereby depriving the state of funds; “calling in sick” en masse, and making random traffic stops to inform motorists of the police’s labour situation.
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