The trade union movement has over the years placed great emphasis on housing security for workers and has been an active participant in the development and discussion of housing issues. ASÍ and BSRB own the housing self-ownership organization Bjarg Housing Association for members of its member unions. Bjarg is the backbone of the public housing system and has built over 1,000 apartments for low-income workers since 2016.

ASÍ and BSRB hold an open meeting about the general íbúðakerfið and ábyrgð of municipalities in í housing construction í the run‑up to municipal elections. The meeting takes place þriðjudaginn 28. apríl at 9.00 – 10.30 at Eddu and í streamed. Á the meeting willður e.g. presented newý analysis of the unions about socialé housingúæð and þróun general íbúðakerfisins. Mainðal þess that þar appears forward is aroundð about aldamótin síðustu were about 7.000 íbúðir í workers' housing system in about 7% íbúða í the country. Workers' housing systemð was dismantled niður í around kringum aldamót and weð took marketisation housing security low‑wage.

From the general housing system, 10 years ago, 1,100 apartments have been built for low-wage earners, which corresponds to within 0.7% of the apartments in the country. Social solutions in housing matters for working people have therefore considerably diminished and it is safe to say that the authorities have not acted responsibly. The increase of public housing for working people is therefore one of the most urgent tasks for those who will be elected to municipal councils on May 16. 

Where should low-wage earners live? The responsibility of municipalities in housing development

Open meeting ASI and BSRB in the run-up to municipal elections

Tuesday 28 April 9.00-10.30 at Edda, Arnfinnsgata 5

Breakfast will be served from 8:30

The meeting will be streamed here

Agenda:

8:30 The house opens

9:00 Opening address - Finnbjorn A Hermannsson, president ASI 

9:05 History and origin of the public housing system and Bjarg housing association - Video 

9:10 Presentation of a new analysis on social housing and the general housing system

Robert Farestveit economist ASI and Jana Viglundsdottir economist BSRB

9:30 Story of residents in Bjarg - Video 

9:35 Housing policy of the authorities and the role of municipalities 

Anna Gudmunda Ingvarsdottir, deputy director HMS

9:50 Story of a resident in Bjargi - Video 

9:55 Panel discussions

Dagur B Eggertsson, Chairman of the Government's Task Force on Housing Issues

Jón Björn Hákonarson, chairman of the Association of Icelandic Municipalities 

Sonja Ýr Þorbergsdóttir, chair of BSRB

Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, chairman Efling and board member in Bjargi

Bjorn Traustason, CEO of Bjarg's housing association

10:30 Meeting results

Chairperson is Brynja Thorgeirsdottir

Further information provided by: Henny Hinz, deputy executive director ASI tel. 663-9026 and Sigridur Ingibjorg Ingadottir, executive director BSRB tel. 895-0272