Union representatives

The point of contact for Efling members at the workplace

Union representatives

According to collective agreements, there should be a union representative at all workplaces with five or more Efling members. Union representatives play a key role in the work of Efling, and the union places strong emphasis on increasing their number, as well as providing them with effective education, training and support.

Role

The union representative is the point of contact between Efling members at the workplace and their union. Their role is to ensure that collective agreements are followed, that laws and rights are respected, and to support members at their workplace in resolving workplace-related issues when needed. The union representative shares information from the union with members and keeps the union informed about the situation at the workplace as necessary.

Union representatives are elected representatives

Employees at each workplace elect a union representative for a two-year term. If only one candidate stands, they are elected unopposed. Following the election, both the union representative and their employer receive confirmation of the appointment, and the union representative begins attending training provided by the union.

Is there no union representative at your workplace?

If there is no shop steward at your workplace and you would like to run for that role or organize an election, we would like to ask you to contact the Department of Education and Social Affairs at 510 7500 or send an email to felagsmal@efling.is.

Efling will assist with organising and conducting the election of a union representative.

Number of Efling members at the workplace:

5-49 the collective agreement permits advertising for 1 shop steward.
50-119 the collective agreement permits advertising for2 shop stewards.
120 or more the collective agreement permits advertising for 3 shop stewards.

Here you can nominate yourself or your coworker as a candidate for shop steward.

After the election of shop stewards, you must fill out and submit the following form to Efling – notification of shop steward.

Protection of union representatives

A union representative may not be dismissed because of their role as union representatives. In the event of redundancies, the union representative has priority for continued employment.

Training

Union representatives are required to attend training during their term of office, and employers must ensure that this is possible without loss of pay.


The training aims to strengthen union representatives’ skills and knowledge in areas such as:

  • Collective agreements
  • How to read payslips
  • The labour movement and collective bargaining
  • The role, history and activities of trade unions
  • Laws and rights in the labour market


The training also covers additional topics to better equip union representatives for their role.

Regulation on the appointment and role of union representatives

The union has issued a specific regulation outlining the rules governing the appointment and role of union representatives. It is based on national legislation, collective agreements and Efling’s statutes. Read the regulation here.

Rights of union representatives under collective agreements

Collective agreements grant union representatives various rights.

See union representatives' rights under different collective agreements here.

Workplace meetings

Since autumn 2024, Efling has encouraged union representatives to make use of provisions in collective agreements to hold workplace meetings. Training and preparation are provided as part of union representative training to support them in organising such meetings.