Bus Drivers’ Strike Begins Today, To Continue All Workweek

As negotiations with management have broken down, bus drivers contracted by public transport company Strætó from Almeningsvagnar Kynnisferðir will be striking today through Friday.

As detailed in an announcement from the labour union Efling, routes 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 24, 28, 35 and 36 will not be running from 7:00 to 9:00, and again from 16:00 to 18:00. This will be the case every day this week, up to and including Friday. That is, unless management comes back with a satisfactory counteroffer before then.

Furthermore, there will be picketing at the Hlemmur, Hamraborg and Mjódd bus terminals. Strætó services for the disabled—Ferðaþjónusta fatlaðra—will not be affected.

“The public is encouraged to support the striking drivers – they are the people safely taking us to work, schools, hospitals and wherever we want to go to,” Efling points out. “They bear enormous responsibility, yet they earn a minimum wage for strenuous, emotionally exhausting job.”

These drivers are striking for “better wages, decent, respectful working conditions and increased workplace democracy – not only for themselves, but also for all of us,” Efling continues, adding that if you see anyone strike-breaking, also known as scabbing, you should contact the union immediately at verkfallsbrot@efling.is.

Efling is one of four unions currently fighting not only for a living wage but also tax relief, rent control, and actual penalties for companies which violate labour contracts and the law.