The second phase of strike actions organized by Efling Labour Union for members who work for the City of Reykjavík started today, Tuesday 11 February at 12:30, and will continue until midnight this coming Thursday, 13 February. This time around, the proposed strike will last for some 60 hours, uninterrupted.
The strike will affect more than 50 per cent of all pre-school children in Reykjavík, a total of some 3,500 children, as well as over 1,650 users of the City’s welfare services. Waste disposals, scheduled to take place during these three consecutive days, will also be postponed.
Some 1,850 staff out of 9,000 city workers belong to the Efling Labour Union. They provide diverse services in some 129 work places throughout the city.
The effects of the strike will mostly be felt within the preschools run by the City of Reykjavík. Most will only be able to provide limited services. The food service offered at the City’s compulsory schools will in many cases be affected, and students attending those schools are encouraged bring their own lunch packages.
The City’s Welfare Services have requested and been granted exemption for their staff who provide care for the most vulnerable groups such as for disabled people, the elderly and children living in homes or at home, and those who need emergency assistance.
Other users will also be affected as the strike continues. Cleaning of homes of the elderly and disabled will be cancelled, as well as bathing assistance. Food will not be served at community centres, and Þorrasel Day Care Centre for the elderly will be closed during the strike.
Waste will not be collected during the strike, and waste-drop-off centres will not be served or cleaned. Snow removal and slippery prevention on bicycle- and walking paths will not be carried out.
Guardians will not be charged for cancelled services nor for impaired food service at schools.
Efling Labour Union has called for a general strike starting next Monday 17 February, if the parties have not reached an agreement by the end of this week,