Jóhann Már Sigurbjörnsson

Experience in Union Work

Education: MBA degree from the University of Iceland (2011–2013), BSc in Business Administration from Reykjavík University alongside work (2007–2011), computer science/technical programme at IR (1993–1997), FIVB Coaching Level 1 (1993).

Previous jobs: Project Manager in web solutions at the Directorate of Fisheries (1999–2006), Managing Director and owner of NF (1999–2002), Systems Administrator with the Defence Force (1997–1999), coach for youth teams in volleyball at HK (1991–1997).

Experience in organisational and management roles: Chair of the Tenants’ Association (2013–2018), on the VR Consultative Council (2016–2026), board member of the Farmers’ Pension Fund (2023–2026), board member of Friends of Kópavogur (2021–2026), Chair of the Board and owner of NF ehf. (1999–2002), on the central board of the Icelandic Journeymen’s Union (1993–1995), on the central board of IR’s student association (1993–1997), Chair of HK’s volleyball division (1994–1997), Chair of the Board of Vinnulyftur ehf. (1996–1999) and Chair of HK’s bowling division (1994–1997).

Key Focus Areas

Housing issues are at the top of my mind when it comes to my priorities as a candidate for the VR Board.
Housing costs are the biggest expense for households, and it is important that the labour movement stands guard to ensure those costs do not rise unreasonably for ordinary wage earners.

For far too long, the labour movement has relied on the authorities to shape housing policy for the future—alone and unsupported, without the movement’s involvement or input. That policy has, however, led to house prices rising much faster than wages. This makes it difficult for employees to buy their first home or to move to a larger one when needed.

I want to work to ensure that policy rates carry less weight when it comes to housing loans. It is also important that the government and the Central Bank stop curbing demand by making it harder for people to buy housing. Instead, we need to have real impact on the supply side and make investment in residential housing unattractive for speculators. We want speculation out of the housing market.
Access to financing for people’s own housing must not be restricted, as could happen with the abolition of indexation.

Through my seat on the Consultative Council and the VR housing committee, I have had the opportunity to contribute to shaping the policy the movement has developed in cooperation with the authorities, but more needs to be done if we are to succeed.
I hope to earn your vote in the elections for the VR Board. My goal is to work to ensure that a healthy, fair, and above all affordable housing market is established here in Iceland. To achieve that, you need to use your right to vote and vote correctly.