Date of birth
22 April 1989
Area of operation
Reykjavík and environs
Workplace, job title and education
I work as a customs broker at Icetransport. Along with my work, I have studied business administration at the University of Akureyri.
I completed the Keilir University Bridge in 2017 on the business and economics course. I have also completed Skrifstofuskólinn and a preparatory course for an accredited bookkeeper from Promennt, as well as being a trained customs broker.
Email
birgittara@gmail.com
Experience in community engagement
I have been on VR’s Council of Representatives since 2015; for a while, I was a Shop Steward at my workplace.
In the fall of 2023, I was elected to the Board of ASÍ-ung, and I have also been on VR’s Youth Council since it was established late last year.
I have tried to be active within the union and have been a representative at LÍV and ASÍ Assemblies.
For the past three years, I have also been on the Board of the Parents Association of Preschool Children in Hveragerði.
Main focuses
- Changes to VR Contingency Fund
- Young people in the labour market
- The importance of education for union members
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Remote working
- Tax-free December and holiday bonuses
I have followed the work of the VR Board for years and have generally been very satisfied with their work and what they are doing. However, I think it is crucial that there is regular renewal of Board members, and it is important that there is a good age distribution within it.
Over the years, VR Contingency Fund has been discussed many times, but there have been no changes made to it. It is of extremely poor use to those who need it the most. I would like to implement a better system like I have seen in other unions. VR Contingency Fund is set up now in a manner that those with the highest incomes benefit the most from it.
VR members need to have the opportunity to educate themselves and acquire knowledge that is useful in their work. It is also important that foreign members of VR get the opportunity and encouragement to take Icelandic lessons during working hours.
For young people in the labour market, the Youth Council that was established late last year is a great and necessary initiative that needs to be well managed and kept active. It is necessary to find a way to approach younger people and provide them with the knowledge that is important to have in the labour market. I would also like to see more young people on the union’s Council of Representatives; the average age in the Council of Representatives is currently rather high, and it would be great if younger people could be involved more in the union’s activities.
We need to ensure that everyone gets 30 days of holidays, regardless of seniority, as is the case for state employees.
At the last LÍV Assembly, there was much discussion about the need to achieve the position that the December and holiday supplements are tax-free; I want to see this go through and as soon as possible.
It is also necessary to better manage the rights of people working remotely.