News - 10.09.2024

Enough is enough!

„What is happening in Icelandic society right now is yet another asset transfer. A transfer of wealth and resources from the people who create value and do the work to those who own the most. Once again, we are witnessing the defense of financial interests, and who has to pay? We do. We who work. We who rent. We who are in debt“ said VR’s Vice-Chair, Halla Gunnarsdóttir, in a speech at a large labor movement protest at Austurvöllur. "We want a society for people, not for capital."

The Confederation of Icelandic Labour (ASÍ), the Federation of State and Municipal Employees (BSRB), and the Icelandic Teachers' Union (KÍ) organized the protest in response to the government's indifference toward high inflation and interest rates.

In addition to VR's Vice-Chair, the leaders of BSRB, KÍ, and Sameyki, Sonja Ýr Þorbergsdóttir, Magnús Þór Jónsson, and Þórarinn Eyfjörð, spoke. The meeting was chaired by Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, Chair of VR and Vice-President of ASÍ. A large crowd gathered at Austurvöllur and made their voices heard. The demand was clear: workers have done their part, and now it is time for the government to stand with the households of the nation. Workers will not accept inaction and empty promises. Enough is enough!