Work Stoppages And Strikes This Month

Some 50,000 people will be taking part in work stoppages and strikes this month if management does not meet the demands of unionised workers.

RÚV reports that the labour unions VR, the Commercial Federation of Iceland (LÍV) and the umbrella group Flóabandalagið (comprised of the unions Efling, Hlíf and the Labour and Seamen’s Association of Keflavík) will engage in several work stoppages this month, culminating in a general strike on June 6 if no agreement between unions and management is reached before that time. These stoppages and strikes will comprise a combined total of about 50,000 workers.

The schedule and locations of these work stoppages is as follows:

May 28-29, from midnight to midnight: Mass transportation vehicles will stop running.
May 30-31, from midnight to midnight: Hotels and guesthouses.
May 31 – June 1, from midnight to midnight: Airline booking.
June 2-3, from midnight to midnight: Grocery stores and shipping companies.
June 4-5, from midnight to midnight: Oil companies.
June 6: Indefinite general strike commences at midnight.

As reported, negotiations have been slow going, with management unwavering in their contention that raising wages would lead to inflation. However, union demands not only have the overwhelming support of union workers, but of the general public as well.