The photo shows field representatives heading out for workplace visits this week.
Efling regularly runs outreach campaigns to strengthen its network of union representatives, focusing on different sectors depending on current needs and priorities. The current focus is on the industrial sector, which includes members working in production, food processing, and related fields.
On June 18 and 19, a group of Efling field representatives visited several workplaces to raise awareness about the importance of union representatives and how union representative elections are conducted. The group consisted of active union members, many of whom are union representatives themselves or sit on the Efling Union Representative Council. Efforts are made to include a wide range of language knowledge within the team to ensure that as many workers as possible can engage with the message. The workplace visits are scheduled to continue next week.
What do union representatives do?
- Role
A union representative acts as the link between Efling members in the workplace and the union. Their role is to ensure that collective agreements are followed, that laws and workers’ rights are respected, and to support fellow members in resolving workplace-related rights issues when needed. Union representatives also share information from the union with members and inform the union about workplace conditions when necessary.
- Elected representatives
Employees at each workplace elect a union representative for a term of two years. If only one person stands for election, they are elected unopposed. Following the election, both the new representative and their employer receive written confirmation. According to the collective agreements, union representatives are required to attend training during their term of appointment, and employers are obligated to ensure they can do so without any loss of wages.
- Is there no union representative in your workplace?
If there is no union representative in your workplace and you would like to volunteer or organize an election, please contact the office by phone 510 7500, or send an email to felagsmal@efling.is in order to get assistance with the election process. The office is happy to assist with the elections.
No union representative at your workplace?
If there is no union representative in your workplace and you would like to volunteer or organize an election, please contact the office by phone 510 7500, or send an email to felagsmal@efling.is in order to get assistance with the election process. The office is happy to assist with the elections.
Efling’s union representative training courses
Efling provides regular training for union representatives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their role. Courses are held one day a month from September through May and are open to both new and experienced representatives.
Training courses are free of charge and interpretation is available to make all materials accessible in both Icelandic and English. All union representatives are automatically registered and receive email reminders before each session.