Staff at Efling Union did not intend to force the union’s chairperson Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir out of her job, according to a statement that union representatives sent to media today. Sólveig Anna resigned from her position after a staff meeting last Friday and a letter from the union’s staff that has been described as a statement of no confidence. Efling staff say the letter was not intended as such, rather as “the first step toward a solution” and that they hoped to solve issues in the workplace “in co-operation with superiors.”
See also: Culture of Bullying in Efling Union
In a Facebook post addressing her resignation, Sólveig Anna described issuing Efling staff an ultimatum last Friday: either they would submit a written statement withdrawing accusations on her account or she would resign as chairperson. Efling staff representatives passed a resolution on June 9 accusing Sólveig of serious offences, including keeping a so-called “execution list.” Following a meeting, staff “unequivocally confirmed” the contents of the original letter and send out statements to Sólveig, the union, and media outlets in Iceland.
The statement in full (journalist’s translation):
In light of the news coverage of the past few days we would like to state the following:
It was not the desire or intention of the staff meeting on Friday to make the chairperson of the union resign. Over the past few years, the union’s staff have worked wholeheartedly according to the policy set by the union’s leaders. Many of the union’s staff work here because of the battle Sólveig has fought. Staff wanted to solve the problems they brought up in co-operation with superiors.
The statement released on Friday was not put forth with the aim of declaring no confidence or to force anyone out of their job. It was intended as the first step toward a solution.
Staff members are, as usual, working for union members and with their interests at heart.
On behalf of Efling staff,
Union Representatives
