Grade School Teachers Possibly Next To Strike

There is a possibility that primary school teachers could go on strike next month, although it has not yet been decided for how long the strike would last, or in what form.

RÚV reports that there are many primary school teachers in Iceland who are dissatisfied with the terms of their collective bargaining agreements. Primary schools are under the direct jurisdiction of municipalities, not the national government, and so their labour demands can vary from region to region.

Ólafur Loftsson, director of a primary school teachers group, told reporters that they have been trying to put pressure on local authorities to come to the table, and that they do not want to work without a contract over the summer.

However, what action to take on the situation is still up on the air. Some of the major proposals considered holding a strike last from three to five days, while others proposed a strike which would last one day at a time, staring May 13.

Whatever action is taken, at least 50% of primary school teachers registered with their union will have to vote in favour for it to be approved. When the next meeting will be is still to be determined.