Þorsteinn Skúli Sveinsson

Union Activities and Other Work Experience

I worked at VR from 2007 to 2021, most of the time as a specialist in the Wage and Employment Terms Division. After more than fourteen enjoyable years at VR, I craved new experiences and challenges. This led me to take a position as a lawyer at the union Sameyki. From there, my path took me to the Federation of Welfare Service Providers. Today, I work in the Human Resources and Strategy Division at BYKO.

I participated in the Young Leaders project organized by ASÍ – Ung in 2019. Additionally, I have been involved in various union activities in the workplaces where I have been employed.

Key Focus Areas

As VR Chairman, I will focus on equality and improved terms for all.

• Establishing a preschool for the children of VR members aged 12-24 months.
• Equalizing the rights of VR members by abolishing the VR Contingency Fund in its current form and introducing fixed grants.
• Granting pregnant women an additional four weeks of paid sick leave.
• Allowing VR members to use their paid leave for illness not only for their children but also for their spouse or parents.
• Continuing efforts to equalize rights between the general labor market and the public sector, for example, by implementing a 36-hour workweek and 30 days of vacation for all VR members.
• Maintaining ongoing dialogue with the government and negotiation partners to improve the benefits of VR members.

I will follow up on important issues that past Chairpersons and the union’s strong staff have worked on in recent years.

On the Issues – Giving VR Members a Voice

Preschool for the Children of VR Members

Preschool issues pose a major challenge for parents. A shortage of spaces and uncertainty about daycare after parental leave creates significant stress. This situation has forced many parents to extend their parental leave or take a break from work, leading to reduced income. I want to establish an infant preschool for VR members’ children (12-24 months old).

To ensure a professional and feasible implementation, I will advocate for the establishment of a project team with experts who will work on designing all aspects of the project. I am convinced that this solution would have a positive impact on VR members—just imagine how it would feel to be on parental leave without constantly worrying about what comes next!

Many people ask how such a preschool would be funded. Here’s a simple solution:

• Initial investment: VR will provide the startup funding, just as the union has contributed to housing developments like Blær.
• Premises: By making an agreement with a rental company for leased facilities, we can avoid construction costs.
• Operations: Tuition fees from parents, along with municipal subsidies, will cover the preschool’s operating costs.

Grants Instead of the Contingency Fund

Currently, payments from the Contingency Fund are unequal and depend on the income of VR members. But how is it fair that a union, which is supposed to fight for equality and improved conditions for its members, discriminates based on income when it comes to grant allocations?

I want to abolish the Contingency Fund and introduce a fairer grant system. Payments would be provided in specific categories that members can use as they see fit. These categories would include:

• New: Parental grant
• Fitness
• Eyewear purchases
• Hearing aids
• Psychological services
• Dental expenses
• Physical therapy

This ensures equality, greater transparency, and better use of the union’s funds.

Increased Sick Leave for VR Members

Pregnancy is not always worry-free, and many women need to reduce their work hours or stop working several weeks before giving birth. No woman should have to use her standard sick leave for pregnancy-related reasons.

I want to ensure that VR women receive an additional four weeks of paid sick leave, providing security and flexibility during pregnancy. This is a necessary step toward gender equality in the labor market.

I also want to expand paid leave for family illness so that it also covers spouses and parents. VR members should have the flexibility to care for their family when needed, without it affecting their income.

Equalizing Rights in the Labor Market

Equalizing rights between the general and public labor markets is key to achieving fairness. I want to fight for:

• 30 days of vacation for all VR members
• A 36-hour workweek

This will ensure:

• Better work-life balance
• Equality in the labor market
• Increased job satisfaction

We must continue to fight for equal rights for all VR members.

Dialogue – The Key to Success

Regular and constructive communication with negotiation partners, the government, and VR members is the key to securing better wages and working conditions. Wage agreements are not just tools for improving terms but also a platform for discussing and resolving issues that matter to VR members. I want to:

• Establish a strong communication platform between negotiating parties and the government.
• Start preparing wage negotiations much earlier than before.
• Ensure a visible and accessible Chairman who listens to VR members.

Good communication leads to better agreements, improved terms, and a stronger VR.

For a stronger VR

VR needs leadership that speaks clearly, stands firm, and works tirelessly for all VR members.

I will continue pursuing key issues that past Chairpersons and the union’s strong staff have worked on in recent years. These include, among others, housing development for VR members (Blær), improving conditions for the lowest-paid workers, professional development, and ensuring that equality is upheld for all members in the general labor market.

I firmly believe that the VR Chairman should be politically independent and fully dedicated to the interests of VR members. This ensures open and transparent communication with the government, regardless of which political parties are in power. Political views should never overshadow the interests of VR members.

Dear VR members, the future of VR is in our hands. I seek your trust and support to take on the role of VR Chairman. It is my heartfelt mission to create a fair and strong future for VR members, and I will dedicate myself fully to this important role.

Let’s unite our efforts—for a stronger VR and a brighter future.