Þórir Hilmarsson

Experience in community engagement

Board member of the National Association of Shoemakers 2009-2021. I have been on the Board of VR from 2020-2023. Alternate for the Board of VR from 2020-2021. Board member from 2021-2023. Sustainability Council of Iceland 2022. I have been actively involved in the work of VR and have been in the following VR committees for the past terms;

• Executive Board of the Holiday Pay Committee
• Environmental Committee
• Grants Committee
• Future Committee
• Executive Board of the Sickness Fund

In addition, I have served as Chairman of VR’s Grants Committee 2020-2022. Chairman of the Executive Board of VR’s Sickness Fund 2022.

Main focuses

• Increased purchasing power.
• Minimum wage is enough to live on.
• Complete QR code comment system for holiday cottages.
• 30 days holiday entitlement for everyone.
• Sickness entitlement for children up to 18 years of age.
• Increased support due to job loss.
• More educational material for young people on the labour market.
• Direct grants e.g. for fitness, dentists, and psychologists.

I see a challenging road ahead, but I am ready to face those challenges with full force and work tirelessly to achieve VR's goals.
I am a union member with a clear vision, a commitment to both my values and to the rights of working people. If I am elected, I will work to ensure that at VR there is a platform of respect, opportunities for advancement, and an environment where members are supported so that they can thrive.
I am asking for your vote so that together we can have an impact and build a brighter future for VR members.

Article from candidate

My name is Þórir Hilmarsson and I am running for the Board of VR. I have a lot of experience and have a clear vision for our union, VR. My core values are trust, respect and progress. These are the values that have been the cornerstone of my approach to the union's work. I have focussed wholeheartedly on building trust between the Board and the members and ensuring that your voice, the people I work for, is heard. I also place great emphasis on respect and want that to be reflected in my relationships with my colleagues on the Board and with you, members of VR.

In addition to these values, I have a firm belief in future progress, which affects the lives of all of us regardless of occupation or class. The world is changing fast and we as a society must keep up with these developments and the rapid changes that are taking place. In my opinion that technology and education are the best ways to ensure that members are equipped with the skills they need to grow and thrive in today's world and have more quality time with their families.

My family is always a priority in my social activities as well as at home. I define myself as a husband, father and friend: Being a family man is something I take seriously and I have always tried to have a positive influence on my loved ones in my daily life. Courage has also been my driving force and guiding light in life because courage is often what it takes to stand for what we believe in even when the odds are against it.

I have achieved a lot in recent years at VR and am ready and willing to do even more if elected to the VR Board. It is my passion to make a difference and at the same time to improve the lives and conditions of working people in Iceland. I sense that the road ahead at VR is challenging, but I am ready to face these challenges with full force and work tirelessly to achieve the goals we at VR are aiming for.

I am a union member with a clear vision, commitment to my values and a passion for the rights of working people. If I am elected, I will work to ensure that our union has a platform of respect, opportunities for advancement and an environment where members are supported so that they can thrive.

I am asking for your vote so that together we can have an impact and build a brighter future for VR members.