Around half of Reykjavík’s preschoolers are affected by a worker’s strike today, RÚV reports. Efling Union members who work for the City of Reykjavík are striking for the second time this week, as collective agreement negotiations between the parties have not reached a conclusion. Most of the 1,800 striking workers are employed at schools, including preschools. The city’s welfare department and waste management are also affected by the strike.
Around 3,500 children attending preschools in the city will be affected by the strike today. Preschools that remain open today have split groups so all children attend for half a day, either in the morning or afternoon. Food service is also disrupted in some preschools, meaning children were asked to come with a packed lunch.
Disabled and elderly people affected
The City’s welfare department received an exception from the strike for the Efling members who perform key services for disabled people and children, as well as services for the elderly both at home and at nursing homes, and emergency services at homeless shelters. The strike will nevertheless affect some 1,650 people who depend on services provided by the welfare department. Among the services that will not be performed today are cleaning services in the homes of disabled and elderly people and bathing assistance.
If an agreement is not reached, Efling members will strike again next week, from 12.30pm on Tuesday, February 11 until midnight on Thursday, February 13. An indefinite strike is scheduled from February 17.
