The following message was sent to Íslandshótel workers via email this afternoon from Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, the chairman of Efling Union:
Dear Efling members at Íslandshótel,
I have read in media and received reports today from workers that the management of Íslandshótel is spreading misinformation about the status of collective bargaining and strike actions. This is what employers always do in labour conflicts, and it is important we help each other to defend against this and inform each other of what is correct.
Here are some corrections to misinformation:
Claim: “Workers will lose retroactive payments by going on strike”. This is false. The negotiations committee of Efling is demanding full retroactive payments from November 1 as part of a new contract, and this demand stands. Employers can of course make threats, but they do not decide what a new contract with our union will be like.
Claim: “Efling union has given wrong information to workers in Íslandshótel.” This is false. Íslandshótel workers showed up in good numbers at an information meeting in the Efling Community Center on last Sunday, where all information was shared, and many questions were asked and answered. The strike call that is currently being voted on is very clear. If Íslandshótel workers have questions about anything that is unclear, they can contact me directly at solveiganna@efling.is.
Claim: “Íslandshótel workers are making a decision on behalf of 21 thousand Efling workers.” This is false. Íslandshótel workers are only voting on a strike action in their own workplaces, which is normal, democratic and in accordance with Icelandic labor law. Other workers will vote on strike actions in their workplaces, which will be announced and voted on soon. The negotiations process of Efling Union as a whole is democratic and member-led, and stands open to Íslandshótel workers.
To follow up on the last point, I want to extend an invitation to Íslandshótel workers to join the Efling negotiations committee. More info on the negotiations committee here. All you need to do is nominate yourself by using the form here: https://www.efling.is/tilnefning-i-samninganefnd/#
If you nominate yourself and are appointed to the committee, you will receive an invitation to the meetings of the committee.
The committee meetings are usually held at 6 pm in the Community Center. English-Icelandic text translation on screen is always provided and refreshments are served, in the good company of fellow Efling workers.
I encourage you with all my heart to accept this invitation and come join forces with other Efling workers in building true workers power!
Again, please don’t hesitate to write directly to me if you have any questions or concerns about the bargaining, strike actions, or the strike vote.
In solidarity, Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir
chairman of Efling Union
