Date of Birth
October 8, 1969
Union Area
Reykjavík and surrounding areas
Workplace, Job and Education
I work as a Product Manager Advertising at Icelandair.
I graduated with a B.Ed. degree from the Iceland University of Education in 1999, completed a diploma in Human Resource Management from the University of Iceland in 2009, and in the spring of 2016, I graduated from Promennt with education in sales and marketing.
Email: svansi1969@gmail.com
Facebook: Svanhildur Ólöf Þórsteinsdóttir (Svansí)
Instagram: Svanhth
Union Activities and Other Work Experience
I have been employed at Icelandair for over three years but previously worked in the media industry, including radio programming, advertising sales, and as head of the advertising department.
I have always had a strong interest in union work and have actively participated in committee work. I was the president of the 365 media staff association for over a decade and also served as a shop steward at the same workplace for many years.
Since 2014, I have been on the VR Board, with one year excepted, and have participated in numerous committees for the union. In the last election term, I served on the Equality Committee and Wage Committee, in addition to being the Chair of the VR Sick Pay Fund. I have also held the position of Board Secretary and served as Vice-Chair of VR.
Additionally, I was on the Board of the Commercial Federation of Iceland from 2017 to 2023 on behalf of VR.
Key Focus Areas
VR is the largest trade union in the country and works to improve the living conditions of its members. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to increase purchasing power, extend leave, and shorten the workweek in line with the public sector. It is also crucial to promote balance in the housing market and ensure flexible retirement options.
Lifelong learning is essential, and it is important that members can adapt to technological advancements.VR must continue working to eliminate the gender pay gap and discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, or religion. It is essential to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people through a clear policy, education, and support in the labor market to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.
In recent years, there has been a setback in equality matters and the rights of LGBTQ+ people, both domestically and internationally. Mental disorders are a major cause of absence in the labor market, so we need to promote good mental health and combat stigma.
It is important to strengthen education and member participation, listen to their voices, and respect their opinions and wishes.
With its strength, VR can have a significant impact on future living conditions. Your vote matters.