The education funds that Efling has operated in cooperation with public employers have now been merged into a single new fund. This merger strengthens the position of union members who use grants for education by increasing the amount available and ensuring equal access for all Efling members working in the public sector.
Previously, there were three separate funds: the Education Fund of Efling and the City of Reykjavík; the Education Fund of Efling, the Municipality of Kópavogur, and the Town of Seltjarnarnes; and Flóamennt, which was a joint fund involving the Education Fund of Efling, the state, and related institutions. These have now been consolidated into one fund, called the Education Fund of Efling and Public Bodies. The fund Starfsafl, which members working in the general labour market contribute to and have entitlements from, remains active as before.
Alongside the unification of the public-sector funds, a decision was made to raise the maximum individual grant for those working in the public sector by ISK 20,000. From 1 July, the maximum grant will be ISK 150,000. Additionally, changes have been made regarding the use of accumulated entitlements. Those who have not used their grant entitlement for the past two years may now apply for up to ISK 300,000, and those who haven’t used their entitlement for three years can now receive up to ISK 450,000. The previous maximum for this was ISK 390,000.