Date of Birth
September 4, 1958
Union Area
Reykjavík and surrounding area
Workplace, Job & Education
I work at Birtíngur publishing company as Sales and Marketing Manager. In addition, I work as a tour guide during the summer. I studied filmmaking in France and hold a BSc degree in Business Administration from the University of Iceland.
Netfang: bjarnithor@me.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjarni.thor.sigurdsson
Vefsíða: bjarnithor.is
Experience in Union Work
I have extensive experience in the business sector, having worked in retail, media, marketing, and consulting. I worked at 365 and Sýn for 15 years, mostly as Project Manager at Vísir. I have also served as a housing specialist at ASÍ, chair of VR’s Housing Committee, and as a board member of both Bjarg and Blær. I have been a member of VR for nearly 30 years and held various trust positions within the union. I have been on the VR board since 2012, served as VR's Vice Chair from 2013–2017, was a member of ASÍ's central board, and currently serve on the board of Lífeyrissjóður verzlunarmanna, the Pension Fund for Commerce.
Key Focus Areas
I’ve been a leader in housing issues within the labour movement for VR and ASÍ and actively participated in developing Bjarg and Blær housing projects. I believe a diverse housing system is key to a healthy housing market. A new neighbourhood is now being planned in Úlfarsárdalur with labour movement involvement, and I want to continue working on this project until it becomes a reality. Experience shows that the labour movement can make a real impact.
Life expectancy is increasing, and people stay healthier longer. However, people aged 50 and older do not always enjoy the same opportunities. Age discrimination is a real challenge that excludes valuable experience from the labour market. I want VR to lead the fight against ageism.
Lifelong learning and continuous education are keys to adapting to a changing work environment. Automation and AI require new skills. We need to ensure access to diverse educational opportunities and prepare our members for the jobs of the future.
The safety of retail workers must always be a priority, including protection against violence and harassment.
I want to safeguard the VR Sick Pay Fund. Members must be able to rely on support in the face of health issues and reduced work capacity. The Sick Pay Fund is a cornerstone of the union.
I offer my energy, knowledge, and decades of experience in service of the union and ask for your support in the upcoming elections.