A women's strike is being called for on October 24th to mark the 50th anniversary of the women's strike in 1975. VR calls on its members to contribute to the fight for equality on this day. VR also calls on companies to show solidarity in action so that women and non-binary people can stop work on this day, without a reduction in wages.
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The Women’s Strike 2025 is neither a strike in the sense of labour legislation nor a paid day off. The Women’s Strike is a day of action for equality in the labour market, and workers participate on their own terms and according to their own decisions.
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You must talk to your immediate supervisor and get permission from them to stop work to contribute to the fight for equality on this day. Employers are not obliged to pay wages for this day, but VR calls on employers to allow women and non-binary people to stop work on this day without a reduction in wages.
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On October 24th, 1975, about 90% of women in Iceland stopped work to draw attention to the importance of their contribution and protest discrimination. The United Nations General Assembly had decided that the year would be dedicated to women's issues, and the day itself is a UN Day. The decision of Icelandic women attracted global attention and is still sparking discussions around the world. However, the main goal of the day—that women’s work be properly valued—has not yet been achieved, despite various gains made over the years. The Women’s Day Off has been held several times in recent years, and now a new push is underway.