Employees in the workplace elect their shop stewards for a term of two years. Elections are held in consultation with VR, and the shop steward receives confirmation of his election and power of attorney from VR. Workplaces with five employees or more can elect a shop steward. If there are more than 50 employees, two shop stewards may be elected. Workplaces with 120 or more can elect three shop stewards.
Election of shop stewards
If you would like to hold an election in your workplace, please contact the VR service centre by calling 510 1700 and our staff will be happy to help.
Agreements and laws do not contain instructions on the election of shop stewards. It is, however, considered preferable that the voting is in writing and that it is a secret ballot at a predetermined time so that everyone who is entitled to vote can participate.
To ensure that the election is conducted properly and confidentiality is maintained, a VR representative must oversee the election. Once the election has been completed, the selection of the shop steward is submitted to the union Board, which confirms his election. The company and the shop steward are sent letters of confirmation to such effect.
If there is only one nominee to the position of shop steward, he is automatically elected. If there are a greater number of nominees, an election shall be held.
Arrangement of the election
When elections for the position of shop steward are planned, a VR representative will visit the workplace and hang up a poster or send an electronic advertisement to a contact person, which will contain the following information:
- The name of the workplace
- When the election will take place (date)
- Timing is determined in consultation with the company and contact person, based on the number of employees and working hours, but electronic voting may last for a maximum of 24 hours.
- Name of contact person who will accept candidatures and suggestions.
When the deadline to submit candidacies has passed and it is clear that an election must be held, an electronic vote is conducted under the supervision of VR, unless circumstances call for other measures.
The party elected completes a form supplied by VR providing information on the workplace, when the election took place and the name, telephone number and e-mail address of the shop steward. The form will be submitted to the Board of VR for approval.
Further information will be supplied by the shop steward contact persons, email: trunadarmenn@vr.is