The city council of Reykjavík has decided to withdraw their proposal to charge meal fees for disabled employees of two city occupational centres.
As reported, the city had originally submitted a proposal wherein the employees of Bjarkarás and Lækjarás – two occupational centres for the disabled – would have to pay 610 ISK for their meals on the job. The decision sparked outrage in city council, with Leftist-Green councilperson Sóley Tómasdóttir pointing out the city council only pays 400 ISK for meals from their canteen.
Originally, chairperson of the Welfare Committee Björk Vilhelmsdóttir defended the resolution, saying that the disabled should pay for their meals like everyone else; that the decision is in keeping with the “equal treatment” concept of United Nations law with regards to disabled people.
She has now reversed her position on the matter, Vísir reports, telling RÚV that city council decided the meal fees needed to be “reviewed”. The proposal has therefore been withdrawn.
Sóley welcomed the decision, telling reporters, “It’s the right thing to do. It’s just important, and good that people change their minds.”
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