The board of the Commercial Federation of Iceland says the activities of the pseudo-union Virðing undermine the basic rules of the Icelandic labor market, which have been in force for decades. In a resolution, the board declares its full support for Efling’s fight against the yellow union and encourages its member unions to “take a tough stance against this attack on workers.”
LÍV Board Resolution on the pseudo-union “Virðing”
Reykjavík, December 9, 2024
The Board of the Commercial Federation of Iceland endorses the resolution of the Central Committee of the Icelandic Federation of Labour (ASÍ) and declares full support for SGS and Efling Union in their fight against the union “Virðing”, which violates the basic rules of the Icelandic labor market and works to reduce the rights and benefits of employees in the catering sector.
The LÍV Board points out that “Virðing” is an example of a “yellow union”, where employers control the union to negotiate with themselves. The union serves the interests of employers within the SVEIT organization and its collective agreement includes a reduction in wages and reductions in rights, e.g. regarding sick leave, vacation, and health insurance. Such actions undermine a rights struggle fought for decades and go against the basic rules of the Icelandic labor market that have been in force for decades.
LÍV calls on honest employers to reject such a methodology and encourages its member associations to take a tough stance against this attack on workers. The LÍV Board emphasizes the importance of both employers and workers respecting the basic rules that apply in the Icelandic labor market, respecting legal collective agreements, and declaring unconditional solidarity with employees in the catering sector in their fight for improved conditions and rights. Associations within LÍV are prepared to respond to such attacks with all available resources.
If employees in the catering sector believe that they have been victimized by the fraud mill of Virðingar and SVEIT, Efling strongly encourages them to contact us. This can be done on the reporting page which can be found here.