News - 17.12.2024

VR Criticizes Increase in Preschool Fees in Fjarðabyggð

The Board of VR strongly criticizes the decision by the municipal council of Fjarðabyggð to raise preschool fees starting in March next year and to reduce services for families in the municipality. With this decision, the municipal council follows in the footsteps of Kópavogur, which increased preschool fees and reduced services a year ago (see statement from the Board). These decisions inevitably result in a significant reduction in living standards for wage earners.

The change in preschool fees in Fjarðabyggð will lead to a substantial increase in costs for many parents in the municipality. According to calculations by AFL - the Union of General and Special Workers in East Iceland, the increase for full-time daycare for a child amounts to tens of percent. Additionally, the number of registration days will increase, and parents will have to pay extra for care on those days (see news article on Afl's website, Icelandic).

The Board of VR reiterates that preschool issues are wage-related issues that matter greatly to wage earners. VR supports wage improvements for preschool employees and believes it is essential to improve their working conditions. Shortening the preschool day for children is a positive development, but it must be accompanied by a reduction in the general labor market's workweek.

The Board of VR objects to municipalities shifting the entire responsibility onto parents, many of whom do not have the support network, financial means, or facilities to adapt to these changes. The board urges municipalities to seek alternative solutions to address changes in the preschool environment rather than cutting wage earners' benefits and turning back the fight for gender equality by several years.

The Board of VR