The Seamen’s Association of Iceland has sent a statement of support to Efling Union in its actions against the pseudo-union Virðing. The Seamen’s Association urges other unions and workers to stand up to pseudo-unions like Virðing with full force. “Let us stand firm in defending what the labor movement has achieved through its decades of struggle,” says in the statement below.
The Seamen’s Association of Iceland statement of support for actions against the “union” Virðing.
Reykjavík, December 9, 2024
Virðing is a yellow union. Founded by employers who have no qualms about violating workers’ rights. It is a shame and disgrace that something like this should be allowed to happen. Daytime working hours are extended to evenings and Saturdays.
Indeed, not even the oldest people do not remember daytime working hours running until the evening, nor on Saturdays. This is a regression of many decades in the rights of workers, especially low-wage workers. As if there is some kind of overpayment for the people who do these jobs. May these employers be ashamed and disgraced by their disrespect.
The Seamen’s Association of Iceland encourages trade unions and workers in Iceland to stand up to this disgrace with full force. Let us not let pseudo-trade unions get away with untruths and slander. Let us stand firm in defending what the labor movement has achieved through its decades of struggle.
On behalf of the Board of the Seamen’s Association of Iceland
Valmundur Valmundsson
Chairman