Crew members on the ship Herjólfur, the main connection between the Westman Islands and mainland Iceland, are still refusing to work overtime until an agreement with the shipping company Eimskip has been reached. The strike has disrupted transportation between the island and the mainland for nearly three weeks now.
The disputing parties have not been able to come to an agreement regarding the crew’s working hours, resulting in a prolonged overtime-ban. Up until now crew members have had to work nine hours before receiving overtime pay, as opposed to the conventional eight hours, this has been a major bone of contention between the two parties during negotiations
The strike means Herjólfur, the main connection between Heimaey island and the mainland, only sails between harbours once a day, instead of the normal two trips per day. Furthermore, the ship does not sail during weekends while the strike is still in force
This has caused some difficulties for the islanders, especially when it comes to transport, both public and of goods. The mayor of Vestmannaeyjar town recently urged both parties to try and reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Agreement talks will next take place tomorrow morning.
News of the strike is available in English on Eimskip’s website.
Crew members aboard the ferry Herjólfur are still refusing to work overtime. The strike has disrupted transportation between the Westman Islands and the mainland for three weeks.
Crew members on the ship Herjólfur, the main connection between the Westman Islands and mainland Iceland, are still refusing to work overtime until an agreement with the shipping company Eimskip has been reached. The strike has disrupted transportation between the island and the mainland for nearly three weeks now.
The disputing parties have not been able to come to an agreement regarding the crew’s working hours, resulting in a prolonged overtime-ban. Up until now crew members have had to work nine hours before receiving overtime pay, as opposed to the conventional eight hours, this has been a major bone of contention between the two parties during negotiations
The strike means Herjólfur, the main connection between Heimaey island and the mainland, only sails between harbours once a day, instead of the normal two trips per day. Furthermore, the ship does not sail during weekends while the strike is still in force
This has caused some difficulties for the islanders, especially when it comes to transport, both public and of goods. The mayor of Vestmannaeyjar town recently urged both parties to try and reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Agreement talks will next take place tomorrow morning.
News of the strike is available in English on Eimskip’s website.