Ólafur Reimar Gunnarsson

Union Activities and Other Work Experience

Worked at EY (Ernst & Young ehf.) as a specialist in the audit division from 2002 to 2024, except for two years when I worked at the prosthetics manufacturer Össur in 2008 and 2009. Prior to that, I worked at PWC ehf. for several years.

A VR member since 1980. Have served on the VR Consultative Council for several years. Elected as a full board member of VR in 2017 after serving as the first alternate board member for three years. Re-elected to the board for the 2019–2021 term but resigned from the board in June 2019. Later decided to run again in 2023 and currently serve as the vice-chair of the union. Have participated in various committees within the union.

Have represented VR at ASÍ congresses and attended congresses of the Commercial Federation of Iceland (LÍV), where I also serve on the board.
Elected to the Board of the Pension Fund of Commerce (LIVE) for the 2016–2019 term and served as vice-chair during that period. Re-elected to the LIVE Board for the 2019–2022 term and served as chair before stepping down in the fall of 2019. Ran again for the LIVE Board for the 2024–2028 term and now serve as an alternate board member.

• Served on the Board of the Association of Business and Economics Graduates from 2015 to 2016.
• Have been active in UMF Stjarnan and currently serve as the chair of its Public Sports Division.
• A member of the Icelandic Red Cross.
• Served on the Board of Fjölsmiðjan.
• A member of the Rotary Club Garðar.

Key Focus Areas

I have been actively involved in the union’s work and have previously served as an alternate member of the executive board of the VR Sick Pay Fund, a full member of the Vocational Training Committee, and a full member of the Housing Committee. I am currently a full member of the Vocational Training Committee, the Legal Committee, the Wage Affairs Committee, and the Senior Council, as well as an alternate member of the Environmental Committee and the Equality and Human Rights Committee. I also serve on the Board of the Vocational Training Fund for Commerce and Office Workers. It is fair to say that my committee work for VR clearly reflects my main priorities:

• Housing issues
• Vocational training – lifelong learning – continuing education
• Equality issues
• Ensuring the purchasing power of the wages we negotiate
• Advocacy for senior members
• Flexible retirement options for those approaching the end of their careers
• Pension issues
• Creating a more family-friendly work environment, including reducing the workweek

I have learned a great deal and gained valuable experience throughout my years of service to the union, and I am once again offering my efforts to make VR an even stronger organization. Dear VR member, your vote matters.