On Monday, the indefinite strike of seamen and boatmen in the Seamen’s Association of Iceland (SÍ) began, which covers three ships of Eimskip: Brúarfoss, Dettifoss and Selfoss. In an announcement sent by VM – the association of machinists and metal technicians, full support for the actions is declared.
“It is clear that in recent years, some of Iceland’s largest companies have looked for ways to move jobs out of the country in order to reduce labor costs and avoid the social responsibility involved in participating in the Icelandic labor market,” says the announcement.
“Such actions undermine the conditions of Icelandic workers and at the same time weaken the common funds and rights systems that have been built up through decades of work by the labor movement.”
Encourage meaningful discussions
In the announcement of VM, concern is expressed that jobs are being moved out of the country and it is said that it is negative for both staff and society. Is Eimskip encouraged to hold meaningful discussions with SÍ about the future of work on board the company’s ships.
Several meetings have been held at the government conciliator between SÍ, Eimskip and the Confederation of Trade Unions.
The announcement in its entirety
VM – the association of machinists and metal technicians declares its full support for the actions of the Icelandic Seamen’s Association and their demand that work on board Icelandic merchant ships will continue to be performed by personnel who enjoy Icelandic wages and rights.
It is clear that in recent years, some of Iceland’s largest companies have looked for ways to move jobs out of the country in order to reduce labor costs and avoid the social responsibility involved in participating in the Icelandic labor market. Such actions undermine the conditions of Icelandic workers and at the same time weaken the collective funds and rights systems that have been built up through decades of work by the labor movement.
It is a fundamental requirement of trade unions in Iceland that companies operating in Iceland take an active part in Icelandic society, respect Icelandic collective agreements and ensure that jobs are not moved out of the country solely for the purpose of increasing profitability at the expense of staff and society as a whole.
VM strongly urges Eimskip to move away from the path of transferring the duties of chief officers from Icelandic sailors and to immediately start substantive discussions with the Seamen’s Association of Iceland with the aim of reaching an agreement on the future of the duties of chief officers on board the company’s ships.
Workers’ solidarity is a prerequisite for protecting conditions, rights and jobs in the Icelandic labor market.
