Guðmundur Ásgeirsson

Union Activities and Other Work Experience

I have over 15 years of experience in various non-profit and advocacy organizations. Most notably, I have been involved with the Homeowners’ Interest Association, where I served as board secretary and vice-chair from 2011 to 2012, worked as a specialist in housing and consumer lending from 2013 to 2021, and returned as vice-chair from 2022 to 2024. I am currently the Chairman of the association until the next general meeting.

My first job within VR was in a wholesale warehouse. Later, I worked in software development and then spent many years specializing in housing and consumer lending. Over the past year, I have worked as a collective bargaining representative at Leiðsögn – Tourist Guide Union, managing nearly all aspects of member services and overseeing the union’s office operations. Through this, I have gained diverse experience and valuable insights into the fight for workers' rights and the financial well-being of Icelandic households.

Key Focus Areas

In addition to traditional advocacy for workers’ rights and benefits in the labor market, I am particularly interested in placing household financial issues in a broader context. This includes housing policies and other key cost-of-living factors. Ultimately, disposable income after living expenses is what matters most for people's financial stability and quality of life. Housing is the largest single expense for households and has seen the most dramatic increases in recent years. The proportion of income spent on housing in Iceland is far higher than reasonable and must be addressed. Adequate living conditions and housing security are fundamental human rights. Labor unions play a key role in protecting and strengthening these rights, and I want to contribute to that effort.

Dear VR Members,

My name is Guðmundur Ásgeirsson, and I live in Reykjavík.

My first job as a VR member was in a wholesale warehouse when I was younger. After two and a half years, I pursued an education in Systems Science and worked for several years in software development. Later, I developed a strong interest in social issues, which led me down a new career path.

In 2011, I was encouraged to run for the board of the Homeowners’ Interest Association, where I served as board secretary and vice-chair. In 2013, I was hired as a specialist in housing and consumer lending, a role I held until the end of 2021. During this time, I also studied law at Reykjavík University, earning my BA in 2018, and completed various postgraduate courses in labor law, consumer law, data protection law, and administrative law.
In 2022, I ran for the board of the Homeowners’ Interest Association again and have since served as vice-chair. I am currently acting as Chairman until the next General Meeting.

Over the past year, I have worked as a collective bargaining representative at Leiðsögn – Tourist Guide Union, managing nearly all aspects of member services and overseeing the union’s office operations. Through this work, I have gained diverse experience and valuable insights into the fight for workers’ rights and the financial well-being of Icelandic households.

I have been a VR member for most of my career, and the union has always supported me when I needed it most. I want to contribute to ensuring that continues for all members. In addition to traditional advocacy for workers’ rights and benefits, I am passionate about addressing broader household financial issues, particularly housing policies and cost-of-living concerns. At the end of the day, disposable income after living expenses is what truly determines financial stability and quality of life.

Housing is the largest single expense for Icelandic households and has also seen the steepest price increases in recent years. The percentage of income spent on housing in Iceland is far above reasonable levels and needs to be brought under control. A stable financial situation and housing security are basic human rights.
Labor unions play a critical role in defending and strengthening these rights. That is why I am running for the VR Board, with the hope of earning your support to help fight for better financial security for VR members and their families.