News - 12.12.2024
The VR Board Condemns SVEIT’s Attack on Workers’ Rights
The Board of VR strongly condemns the attack by employers within SVEIT, the organization of companies in the hospitality sector, on the rights and employment terms of workers in Iceland. SVEIT has established a yellow union under the name Virðing and created a "collective agreement" that directly reduces the wages and conditions for employees in the restaurant and hotel industry. Virðing does not meet the fundamental requirements expected of a trade union. Instead, it is an organization founded by employers who negotiate with themselves rather than with employees. As such, Virðing qualifies as a yellow union—these types of unions undermine the rights and interests of workers and, in reality, serve the interests of employers.
The Board wholeheartedly supports the criticism from Efling Union and the Federation of General and Special Workers in Iceland (SGS) towards SVEIT and the call to boycott the organization. Virðing targets people in vulnerable positions, including foreign workers, young people, and those less familiar with their rights in the labor market. The Board particularly encourages VR members to contact VR if an employer asks them to join Virðing or work under its so-called "collective agreement." The Virðing agreement is in every respect significantly worse than VR’s collective agreements and results in the deterioration of conditions for workers in the tourism sector. The wage rates are lower, the period classified as daytime work is longer and extends into Saturday, the notice period for termination is much shorter, and rights concerning sick leave and other employee benefits are considerably reduced, to name just a few differences. Additionally, the Virðing agreement violates labor market laws. More information can be found in Efling's coverage and the statement of ASÍ’s Central Board.
The actions of Virðing and SVEIT are, in the view of the Board, a disgraceful attack on workers' rights and mark a regression in the ongoing struggle for fair working conditions. The Board of VR urges workers and employers alike to reject this attack. Unity in the labor market is crucial when it comes to safeguarding workers' fundamental rights. Ensuring these rights should be a shared responsibility of all labor market stakeholders.
Reykjavík, December 11, 2024
The Board of VR