Efling’s autumn education programme is off to a strong start, with registrations exceeding expectations. Members have already had the opportunity to learn about their rights as tenants and employees. Tonight, 28 October, the focus turns to job searching and career development. The programme aims to help members understand their rights and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Tenants’ rights

On 13 October, Jóhann Einarsson from the Consumers’ Association’s Tenants’ Assistance service visited Efling to talk to members about tenants’ rights. He covered rental agreements, security deposits, property maintenance and rent increases, and answered questions from the audience. He also explained where tenants can turn for help. This information can be useful before signing a rental agreement, as well as when a dispute arises with a landlord.

Work, pay and rights

Efling’s Labour Rights Department is currently running the course Work, Pay and Rights, with separate sessions for members working in the private and public sectors. Efling’s specialists explain key provisions of collective agreements and how they apply to everyday situations at work. Topics include pay and overtime and shift premiums, working hours, sick leave and holiday entitlements, as well as employment contracts and payslips. Understanding these issues helps members check that they are being paid correctly and take action if they are not.

The private-sector course took place in English with Icelandic interpretation on Tuesday 27 October and will be held in Polish on Wednesday 11 November. The public-sector course will be held in English with Icelandic interpretation on Tuesday 3 November and in Polish on Wednesday 4 November.

Tonight: Job search and career development

Tonight, Wednesday 28 October, Efling welcomes Kristín Erla Þráinsdóttir, Programme Director for Counselling and Validation at Mímir. She will offer practical advice on writing a CV and cover letter, looking for work and preparing for job interviews. She will also discuss how to identify your strengths and communicate the value of your experience when applying for a new job.

The session is suitable both for people looking for work and those considering a career change or exploring study options. Participants will also learn about educational and career guidance, recognition of prior learning, and the support Efling offers for education and career development. They will leave with ideas for their next steps and information on where to find further support.

The session starts at 5:30 pm in Efling’s meeting hall on the fourth floor of Guðrúnartún 1. It will be held in English with Icelandic interpretation. Attendance is free for members, and registration is still open.

More to come this year

The programme will also cover retirement, pension rights and the tax system. A new session on pay is being developed in response to members’ requests for more information, with separate sessions for the private and public sectors. It will take a closer look at payslips, pay increases and how further education and professional development can count towards higher pay.

Efling takes care to choose topics that are useful to members and invite speakers with the expertise to answer their questions. Members are encouraged to come along and make use of the programme, whether they have a specific question or simply want to understand their rights better.

The programme and registration details are available on Efling’s website. Registration for spring sessions will open in the new year, so keep an eye on the website for updates.