Teachers in Iceland assert right to strike amid lawsuit by Association of Icelandic Municipalities

The President of the Icelandic Teachers’ Association asserts that teachers are within their rights to announce strikes, despite the Association of Icelandic Municipalities filing a lawsuit against the union in labor court. Magnus Thor Jonsson, the president, expressed disappointment that employers are challenging the right to strike by frequently resorting to legal action. He confidently stated that teachers have the full legal authority to call for strikes.

The Association of Icelandic Municipalities claims the strike notification is illegal because the teachers have not formally presented their demands. Jonsson rebuffs this claim, emphasizing their compliance with all rules governing strikes. He finds it unfortunate that employers are attempting to undermine the right to strike in wage disputes, describing it as a regrettable step.

When pressed about the lack of formal demands from the teachers’ union, Jonsson reiterated their position without providing specifics, but asserted that the public is aware of their demands, which include investment in teachers to enhance professionalism and stability, based on an agreement from 2016 aimed at equalizing salaries across sectors.

Jonsson expressed concerns that the legal action could negatively impact the collaborative atmosphere necessary for negotiations. While progress is being made, he acknowledged the challenges posed by this intervention, highlighting its potential effects on the overall negotiation process.