Union representatives

The point of contact for Efling members at the workplace

Union representatives

Under collective agreements, workplaces with five or more Efling members are entitled to elect a union representative. Union representatives play a key role in Efling’s work, and the union places strong emphasis on increasing their number and providing them with effective training and support.

Role

The union representative acts as the main point of contact between Efling members at the workplace and the union. Their role is to help ensure that collective agreements and applicable laws are followed, that members’ rights are respected, and that members receive support with workplace-related issues when needed. The union representative also shares information from the union with members and keeps the union informed about relevant developments at the workplace.

Union representatives are elected representatives

Efling members at each workplace elect a union representative for a two-year term. If only one candidate stands for election, they are elected unopposed. Once the election has been confirmed, both the union representative and the employer are formally notified. The union representative then begins attending training provided by Efling.

Does your workplace have a union representative?

If there is no union representative at your workplace and you are interested in taking on the role or helping to organise an election, please contact the Education and Social Affairs Department by phone at 510 7500 or by email at felagsmal@efling.is.

Efling will provide support with organising and conducting the election.

Number of Efling members at the workplace:

• 5–49 members: One union representative may be elected.
• 50–119 members: Two union representatives may be elected.
• 120 or more members: Three union representatives may be elected.

Here you can nominate yourself or a co-worker as a candidate for the role of union representative.

Once a union representative has been elected, the following form must be completed and submitted to Efling: Notification of the Election of a Union Representative.

Protection of union representatives

A union representative may not be dismissed because of their role as a union representative. In the event of redundancies, union representatives have priority for continued employment.

Training

Union representatives are required to attend training during their term of office, and employers must allow them to do so without loss of pay.


The training is designed to strengthen union representatives’ knowledge and skills in areas such as:

  • collective agreements
  • reading and understanding payslips
  • the labour movement and collective bargaining
  • the role, history and activities of trade unions
  • labour law and employment rights


The training also covers other topics that help prepare union representatives for their role.

Regulations on the appointment and role of union representatives

Efling has adopted regulations governing the appointment and role of union representatives. The regulations are based on national legislation, collective agreements and Efling’s statutes.

Rights of union representatives under collective agreements

Collective agreements grant union representatives a range of rights.

You can find information about union representatives’ rights below.

Workplace meetings

Since autumn 2024, Efling has encouraged union representatives to make use of provisions in collective agreements to hold workplace meetings. Training and preparation are provided as part of union representative training to support them in organising such meetings.