Following a suspension of talks last week, Efling Union is inviting the City of Reykjavík to return to the negotiation table. Some 1,850 Efling workers employed by the city began an indefinite strike last Monday, affecting preschools, primary schools, welfare services, and garbage collection in the country’s capital.
In a television interview last Wednesday, Mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson described the City’s latest contract proposal as containing “probably the biggest increase to the lowest wages that would be negotiated in wage negotiations.” His words were criticised by Efling representatives, who accused him of exaggeration and attempting to derail the discussion. When the City of Reykjavík made their offer public the following day, Efling representatives stated that it was much more favourable than what the city had presented to them in the meeting room.
“Icelanders who follow the media have likely understood this as an offer of at least ISK 110,000 unconditional increase of the base pay of Efling members who are in general unskilled jobs in preschools. That’s is not in line with what was presented to us in the room,” stated Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, Efling chairperson.
“We choose to believe that this isn’t a question of marketing or embellishment, rather a new and improved offer on the city’s behalf which we’re ready to take a positive view on […] We invite the city to confirm a common understanding of this and being negotiations with us on that basis,” Sólveig continued.
