Collective agreement-based wage increases in April

Efling union's annual general meeting took place at the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica yesterday, March 26, and was well attended by members. In her address following the board report, Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, chairwoman Efling , went over the whole stage and emphasized that the struggle Efling members was far from over, in fact it would never end. "We have achieved success - and we should be proud of what we have achieved together. But at the same time, we must face the many problems that are still unresolved," she said. Sólveig Anna harshly criticized the housing situation and the impact of high-interest policies on workers. She pointed out that a large portion of members were forced to spend the majority of their income on housing costs and that this would not be resolved. "We have rejected the idea that we can wait for justice. We must seek it ourselves," said Sólveig Anna and emphasized the importance of solidarity and the independent voice of workers. She then warned against planned changes to unemployment insurance, saying they send a “terrible message” to those who need support the most. She also criticized the lack of sanctions for violations of collective agreements and called for legislation against wage theft. At the end of her address, she emphasized that workers’ patience would run out if real action was not taken. “Either employers and the government listen to our demands and respond with real action – or the consequences will be serious as soon as this fall.” Strong financial position and growth Perla Ösp Ásgeirsdóttir, Managing Director Efling , presented the company’s accounts, which show a very strong position. Revenue increased by almost 16% between years and amounted to just over 4.2 billion krónur. Profitability improved significantly and the operating result for the year amounted to 722 million krónur. The company’s total assets increased by almost 1.5 billion krónur and equity now stands at around 17.6 billion krónur. It was also noted that costs had increased less than expected and that the company's operations were characterized by restraint and responsibility. In the case of Perla, it was stated that strong emphasis had been placed on strengthening services to members and building infrastructure for the future, including through investments in housing, information technology and holiday homes. Election of the board of directors announced Þórir Jóhannesson, Vice Chairman Efling , presented the results of the nomination committee. Since no counter-nominations were received, the company's board of directors was elected automatically. The Efling Board of Directors is now composed of the following: Chairman: Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir Vice Chairman: Þórir Jóhannesson Secretary: Guðmunda Valdís Helgadóttir Treasurer: Michael Bragi Whalley Co-chairmen: Alexa Tracia Patrizi Gréta Íris Karlsdóttir Hjördís Bech Ásgeirsdóttir Hjörtur Birgir Jóhännuson Hlynur Gauti Ómarsson Ian Phillip McDonald Karla Esperanza Barrlaga Ocon Mary Jane Gonzales Munoz Rögnvaldur Ómar Reynisson Sigurjón Ármann Björnsson Sæþór Benjamín Randalsson Thanks to the outgoing board members The meeting also included farewell to the outgoing board members, Guðbjörg María Jósepsdóttir, Innocentia Fiati and Olga Leonsdóttir. They were thanked for their work and welcomed with thunderous applause, as the meeting attendees rose from their seats to thank them for their work. Bylaws approved Proposals for bylaws were also submitted at the meeting. They concerned the merger of two funds within the company and were approved unanimously without comment. The general meeting thus confirmed both Efling strong financial position and a clear policy in the wage struggle, with an emphasis on increased workers' rights and a tougher response to the challenges facing the labor and housing markets.

Due to severe weather affecting the capital area and beyond, you can expect reduced service at the Efling office in Guðrúnartún 1. Phone calls will be answered as usual and messages sent by email will be answered. An orange warning is in effect in the capital area, South and Southwest Iceland. If the weather forecast is correct, severe weather can be expected until after noon. The main routes to and from the capital area are closed. Civil Protection in the capital area has urged people to stay home and not travel unless absolutely necessary. In addition, school hours in primary and kindergartens have been canceled in some cases, but it was announced last night that there would be minimum staffing in all primary schools in Reykjavík. This means that some of the staff at Efling office are having difficulty getting to work, either due to the weather and traffic or because they have to take care of their young children who cannot go to school. As a result, it will not be possible to maintain full service in Guðrúnartún 1. Efling encourages its members not to be on the move unnecessarily and if they are forced to do so, to do so with caution. However, there will be full operations at the company's office in Guðrúnartún tomorrow, Friday, March 27. It is worth pointing out, however, that the office will open later than usual tomorrow, or at 10:00, due to a staff meeting.