The Labor Union of Akranes, west Iceland, is investigating job contracts offered to some of its members of foreign origin. According to a recent job contract, one worker was only paid ISK 635 per hour (USD 10, EUR 7), which is below the official minimum wage.
The job contract also states that the employee is obligated to work for only ISK 317 (USD 5, EUR 3) per hour for the first month of employment as it is considered a probationary period, mbl.is reports.
Another worker of foreign origin employed at the same company did not receive any salary for three and a half months, only free food and accommodation. He was made to believe that this was normal since he was still being trained.
Some workers did not receive any additional payments for working overtime despite working more than 173 hours per month—and some as much as 300 hours per month. The standard working month is only about 160 hours.
The Labor Union of Akranes said it considers these violations very serious and is currently questioning individuals involved and gathering information.
