Flosi Eiríksson

Union Activities and Other Work Experience

I worked as a carpenter for various companies and independently for several years, then at KPMG from 2006 to 2016, Íslandsstofa from 2016 to 2018, and as Managing Director of the Federation of General and Special Workers in Iceland from 2018 to 2022. Since then, I have been working as a consultant at Aton.

I have been actively involved in union and social work. I served as a municipal representative in Kópavogur from 1998 to 2010, was a member of the town council from 1998 to 2006, and participated in various other committees on behalf of the town.

• I was Vice Chairman of the Board of Public Transport bs. from 1998 to 2002 and a board member of the Pension Fund for Kópavogur Employees from 2006 to 2009.
• Additionally, I was Chairman of the School Board of MK from 2010 to 2021.
• Since 2017, I have been on the board of the Breiðablik Football Club and have served as its Chairman since 2021.

Key Focus Areas

I appreciate the opportunity to speak directly to VR members about how I believe our union should operate and what we should prioritize in the coming years.

We need strong and united leadership that brings the union together and attracts people to participate. My track record shows that I am serious about achieving consensus, and I have successfully led as a unifying Chairman.

VR is a tremendously strong union that brings together people from diverse jobs and industries. With its strength, the union should lead the way in securing better wages and rights, always with the interests of all members in mind. VR must have a strong voice within the labor movement and hold the government accountable on economic and welfare issues. It is essential to ensure diverse job opportunities for everyone and to make sure that technological advancements improve quality of life rather than threaten livelihoods and employment opportunities.

Our union must always maintain active consultation with its members and strong grassroots engagement. This ensures that members’ perspectives are the foundation of all union activities and policies and that the union works for our collective interests.

A Strong Union for Us All

With its strength and position, VR should be a leader in collective bargaining on the general labor market and be at the forefront of securing better wages and rights. We achieve this by keeping the bigger picture in mind, remembering why we are in VR, and recognizing that together we can ensure our union remains a leader in almost all areas. I do not claim to have all the answers to the challenges VR faces, nor do I have ready-made solutions for every regulation or fund within the union. However, I have been a VR member for a long time, have worked in various roles in the general labor market, and have experience within the labor movement. This background and experience will be highly beneficial in serving VR—both from being active in the workforce and from engaging in various union activities. Having worked alongside great people has been excellent preparation. I have a strong understanding of union matters, and I am good at listening to people—though I do enjoy speaking a little too! Most importantly, I bring people together and build strong unity.

Fearless and leading

Labor unions are both remarkable and somewhat unique in principle. The simple idea that workers, by organizing, can secure better wages, critical rights, and a strong society is powerful. No other organizations operate on this fundamental principle of solidarity and mutual support to help individuals stand on their own feet. However, the environment is constantly changing. In the beginning, unions were more homogeneous—for example, dockworkers, tradespeople, and so on. As the labor market diversified, many things changed, but the core mission remains the same: ensuring that as many members as possible actively participate so that our large union represents all its members.

We should not be afraid to take the lead in discussions about developments in the Icelandic labor market, how we ensure a robust economy with quality jobs, and how we provide VR members with a dynamic job market where they have opportunities to develop according to their interests. We should avoid empty rhetoric and outdated disputes and instead look forward with solutions in mind.

Leading by example

VR’s leadership in housing issues, whether through Bjarg or Blær, has been outstanding and clearly demonstrates what solidarity and determination can achieve. I previously served on Bjarg’s alternate board and became familiar with its methodology—an approach the broader housing market could learn from. We should continue to build on this experience and contribute to establishing a healthy housing market in Iceland.

The union negotiates base wages and rights related to sick leave, vacation, and other benefits. However, we must also remember that a large portion of members negotiate their own salaries, with VR agreements setting the foundation for their rights. This dual role can be challenging but is an integral part of who we are and what we must consider. Sometimes, this may necessitate tough measures, but strike actions should never be discussed lightly or used irresponsibly.

Dependent on no one but ourselves

Furthermore, all union activities must remain politically independent, always prioritizing the interests of VR members in all actions and negotiations. We must have the strength and courage to advocate for sound economic management and real improvements in purchasing power. I believe I have demonstrated this courage in standing up for our members' legitimate concerns—regardless of who is in power.

We need to be stronger in speaking to and advocating for all our members, continuously discussing fundamental issues such as financial security, stable housing, rights related to illness and injuries, parental grants, and the various funds that support members. We need to discuss reducing working hours, vacation time, and vacation homes, as well as all aspects of everyday life that affect VR members across different industries.

A chairman who unites people

The union is made up of its members—people living their daily lives and facing the challenges of the real world. The average member needs a spokesperson: a Chairman with experience from different fields, who is not part of any specific faction, who unites people in decision-making, and who works toward a common vision. A Chairman who is part of the fabric of the union, where every thread matters—someone who understands and shares the everyday struggles of VR members. A Chairman who brings people together because together we are stronger.

I am running to be that Chairman for VR for the next four years. I hope we share a vision of making VR an even stronger union.