Date of birth
4 September 1958
Area of operation
Reykjavík and environs
Workplace, job title and education
I work in ASÍ’s economics and analysis department for housing issues. Housing issues have been on my mind for a long time, and I have been involved the development of Bjarg Housing Association, as well as Blær Rental Association. I previously worked as a product development department manager at Sýn and Vodafone media. I worked in the media for 12 years, most of that as a project manager at the online medium Vísir, but before that, I worked for RÚV, among other things. Before that, I worked freelance in filmmaking. I studied filmmaking in Paris and have completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iceland.
Email:
bjarnithor@me.com
Facebook
Bjarni Þór Sigurðsson
Experience in community engagement
I have been a member of VR for nearly thirty years. I was elected to VR’s Consultative Council in 2009, was a Shop steward at 365 Miðlar and an alternate for the VR Board in 2010–2012. I have been on the Board of VR since 2012 and was the Vice-Chairman from 2013–2017. I have held various confidential positions for VR. I was a member of the Board of Directors of Bjarg Housing Association from its foundation in 2016 until 2019. As of 2019, I have been the Chairman of Bjarg’s Representative’s Council.
I have been on the Board of Lífeyrissjóður verzlunarmanna since 2019. I have had a seat on various VR committees, including the Vacations Committee, Equality Committee, Future Committee, Grant Committee, Seniors Committee and the Wage Committee. I have been the Chairman of the VR Housing Committee since 2012. I am an alternate on the Board of the Commercial Federation of Iceland and have represented tradesmen on the Central Board of The Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ). I was the Chairman of ASÍ’s Housing Committee from 2018–2022. I have been involved with the issues in the City of Reykjavík, i.e. sat on the Board of the Sport and Leisure Department (ÍTR) and on the Neighbourhood Council of Vesturbær.
Main focuses
At the initiative of the labour movement, not least VR, a gargantuan change has been achieved with the establishment of Bjarg Housing Association. Bjarg has already built around 1000 apartments. With the introduction of Bjarg, a new chapter of non-profit rental companies in Iceland began, and it is the beginning of a powerful public housing association based on the Nordic model. Another important milestone was reached last fall, when Blær Rental Association began construction on 36 apartments in Úlfarsárdalur, which will be ready for leasing at the end of next year. Thus, a new phase in the history of the labour movement has officially begun.
I believe that there needs to be a balance in the housing market between rental and owner-occupied housing, and special consideration must be given to first-time buyers. I believe that a diverse property and rental market needs to be built and that the social ownership housing system needs to be revived. I have been at the forefront of this issue within VR, and the project is close to my heart.
I am sure that my experience will be of great use to the union. I request your support to continue this good work.