ASÍ Women's Conference. Photos/Lárus Karl

Around the wage negotiations between VR, LÍV, industrial and technical workers, and the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise at the end of last year, critical voices were raised about the homogeneity of the negotiating committees, where men seemed prominent and women were hardly visible. The appearance was reminiscent of images from the 1970s rather than reflecting the progress made after decades of struggle for gender equality. Fortunately, this appearance does not reflect the whole truth, as many women work in the movement as chairpersons, board members, and other trusted positions, although the proportions are still barely acceptable considering today's gender equality awareness. Five women who are chairpersons in their respective associations were interviewed on May 1st and were asked about the status of women in the labour movement and their own journey to influence.

Name: Halldóra S. Sveinsdóttir

Position: Chair of Báran

Term: 2010 – today, 13 years

Motto: Be yourself

What’s the position of women in the labour movement, in your view. Is it perhaps harder for women to gain influence in the movement, and if so, how?

The status of women within ASÍ (the Icelandic Confederation of Labour) is in many ways unique. Fortunately, the situation has changed, and the number of women in leadership positions within unions has increased nationwide, which is very positive. However, there is still a long way to go before full gender equality is achieved. One factor that hinders women from stepping up to leadership roles is that the opposition they face is often much more malicious. They are frequently associated with particular political parties, portrayed as messengers for certain policies, which makes it easier to undermine their reputation and discredits them. In other words, according to male-dominated perspectives, they are not independent but merely messengers for others. They are also much more likely to be subject to online harassment if they do not adhere to male-dominated viewpoints.

What led you to step up and put your name forward as a leader of your union, and how did that work out?

In 2010, I was approached and asked to take on the presidency of the union. I hadn't considered it before, but after a brief period of reflection, I decided to give it a try. I'm quick to say yes when asked for help. It comes as a pleasant surprise how diverse, demanding, and enjoyable the job is. No two days are the same, and there is always something new to tackle. I have met many wonderful people and made good friends along the way.

A sense of justice is in my blood

Were union struggles a part of your environment when you grew up, did you have role models there?

Growing up in a fishing village like Þorlákshöfn is a privilege. Discussions in my childhood home revolved around fishing, working in the fishing industry, and wages and working conditions. We were fortunate in our school to have a radical, left-leaning teacher for most of our primary school years who instilled in us good and valuable principles. A sense of justice is in my blood, and I've never been able to remain silent when someone is being wronged. I have been lucky to meet many good and honest people. There are many role models, especially those who are always true to themselves, honest, and kind-hearted individuals. It's as simple as that.

Do you see yourself as a role model for women in the labour movement, and do you think it is in some way your role to beat a path to influence for other women?

Women in the movement have not always succeeded in showing each other the strength needed to pave the way for other women. When Drífa Snædal was hounded from office, there was no response from any group of women within the movement. I would have liked to see a strong women's movement step forward and say, "We will not tolerate this." Women have struggled to be role models due to the culture that has prevailed within the movement. It is those who manage to beat their chests in the media without any real substance that are considered "heroes," rather than those who are genuinely heroic.

Do you think that you, or other female union leaders, have different emphases, tones, or perspectives than men in influential positions within the labour movement, and does it matter to have gender balance among those who hold positions of trust within the movement to achieve the greatest equality?

Both men and women in the movement are generally visionaries with a strong sense of justice. It is not so much about differing emphases, but rather different approaches that can lead to instability within the movement. In all discussions, the approaches of both genders often vary. Women tend to examine issues more closely, scrutinize everything, and focus on the details of how to carry out tasks, while men tend to look at the "big picture." Women are generally not as boisterous.

Of course, gender balance should be as equal as possible, but some unions or associations consist of a significant majority of men, which unfortunately skews the overall picture.

Historic leadership conference

Do you think that regular and organized women’s work in the labour movement, such as women leaders’ meetings and women’s conferences, could help women who want to gain influence in ASÍ, and if so, how?

It is actually quite surprising that women have not managed to unite into a strong entity with a voice. Several women's conferences have been held in recent years, but somehow the consensus has not taken off, which indicates that it is not enough. After the last women's conference, the conference's resolution was not subjected to substantive discussion; instead, certain parties used all their power to make it seem incredible and meaningless.

The first women's leadership conference was held in March, the first in the history of ASÍ (the Icelandic Confederation of Labour). There were interesting lectures on everything related to our movement, how we think generation after generation, and the obstacles that we unconsciously carry in our blood. Discussions included how "female-dominated jobs" are undervalued when it comes to job equality and where opportunities for our low-wage women's groups lie. There are many demanding tasks ahead and numerous challenges. The women's leadership conference was truly inspiring, informative, professional, and hopefully the first of many.

Name: Guðbjörg Kristmundsdóttir

Position: Chair of VSFK

Term: Since April 2019

Motto: I just try to be the best version of me

What’s the position of women in the labour movement, in your view. Is it perhaps harder for women to gain influence in the movement, and if so, how?

I think the position of women within the movement is good today, although it has not always been that way. I have not experienced having a harder time gaining influence because I am a woman. I feel that the focus is more on the individual rather than their gender. Of course, there are men's "clubs" within the movement, just as there are elsewhere. But there are also women's "clubs." People connect differently, friendships form, and people seek out those who are similar. I don't find that negative. There are plenty of strong women within the movement, and I believe that they would quickly make their voices heard if they were to be assigned or not assigned to something based on their gender.

What led you to step up and put your name forward as a leader of your union, and how did that work out?

I had been working for the union for several years before I decided to run for president. I found the work in the movement exciting and interesting. All the previous presidents were men, but I felt that people were generally positive about a woman taking over. I think people were not really concerned about gender. At least, I didn't feel that it was highlighted as a main issue or a focal point.

Diversity is important

Were union struggles a part of your environment when you grew up, did you have role models there?

No, it wasn't. I didn't even know what a union was until I became an adult. I didn't start thinking about these issues until adulthood when I had to consider my own rights.

Do you see yourself as a role model for women in the labour movement, and do you think it is in some way your role to beat a path to influence for other women?

I'm not really sure how to answer this question. I hope that I can be a role model for someone, and if I can help pave the way for others, then I will do so. Of course, no one wants the status of women within the movement to revert to what it once was, so it is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that doesn't happen.

Do you think that you, or other female union leaders, have different emphases, tones, or perspectives than men in influential positions within the labour movement, and does it matter to have gender balance among those who hold positions of trust within the movement to achieve the greatest equality?

I think everyone has their own emphases and vision. Across genders. It’s important to have a diverse group involved and to have as many voices as possible heard.

Make yourselves heard

Do you think that regular and organized women’s work in the labour movement, such as women leaders’ meetings and women’s conferences, could help women who want to gain influence in ASÍ, and if so, how?

It’s important to be aware of the position of women within the movement. All work to that end is good. I encourage anyone who is interested to make themselves heard and everyone should.

Name: Anna Júlíusdóttir

Position: Chair-elect of Eining-Iðja

Term: Will become head of the union after the upcoming annual meeting.

Motto: I try to do better today than yesterday.

What’s the position of women in the labour movement, in your view. Is it perhaps harder for women to gain influence in the movement, and if so, how?

The status of women within the movement is not good enough, primarily because it is usually women who take care of the household and the so-called third shift. As a result, they often do not have the same opportunities to attend meetings and events held outside of regular working hours, which is often when union activities take place. However, the situation has been improving in recent years.

What led you to step up and put your name forward as a leader of your union, and how did that work out?

I have been the vice chair of Eining-Iðja since 2012. The current leader is stepping down, and we felt it would be appropriate for someone with experience within the union to take over the position, which is why I decided to run. The journey went well, and I will do my best to continue serving the members effectively. The board and staff of the union play a significant role in giving me the confidence to take on this position. 

Strong class consciousness

Were union struggles a part of your environment when you grew up, did you have role models there?

I grew up in Siglufjörður, where people's class consciousness was very strong. I had great respect for the chairman of Vaka at that time and became interested in the labour movement very early on. I moved to Akureyri in 1994 and immediately began serving in trust positions for Eining, later Eining-Iðja.

Do you see yourself as a role model for women in the labour movement, and do you think it is in some way your role to beat a path to influence for other women?

Yes, I think it’s my role to make the same opportunities available to women as to men in the labour movement. I have encouraged women to participate and will continue to!

Do you think that you, or other female union leaders, have different emphases, tones, or perspectives than men in influential positions within the labour movement, and does it matter to have gender balance among those who hold positions of trust within the movement to achieve the greatest equality?

The work is the same whether a man or a woman is performing this job; we all agree that our role is to fight for improved living conditions in the country. How we do this may vary, but not necessarily because of our gender, rather because of how each individual is. I think it's important that we try to have both women and men serve in positions of trust for the association, as the input needs to come from as diverse a group as possible.

Inspiring younger women

Do you think that regular and organized women’s work in the labour movement, such as women leaders’ meetings and women’s conferences, could help women who want to gain influence in ASÍ, and if so, how?

Yes, it matters a lot that women come together and receive encouragement and support from each other. Those who have been in the labor movement for a long time serve as an inspiration for younger women and can spark their interest in the issues, which in turn will lead to more women getting involved.

Name: Hjördís Þóra Sigurþórsdóttir

Position: Chair of the AFL federation.

Term: Since May 2, 1993

Motto: Stay the course.

What’s the position of women in the labour movement, in your view. Is it perhaps harder for women to gain influence in the movement, and if so, how?

Looking at the environment of ASÍ member unions, the status of women within the labour movement is uneven. For example, among the 19 member unions of the Federation of General and Special workers, there are 9 female and 10 male chairpersons. These unions have a mix of men and women, with a gender ratio of approximately 40-60% in both directions.

However, if we look at the member unions of the Icelandic Confederation of Trade and Commerce, which consists of 3 trade and commerce unions and 7 departments, all 3 chairpersons in the pure trade and commerce unions are men, even though a much larger share of union members are women.

In the largest trade workers' union, VR, a recent election for the chairperson was held between a man and a woman. To the best of my knowledge, there has been only one female chairperson in the history of the union. She served for two terms, and during the election campaign, it was argued, among other things, that her salary was too high. This tells us quite a bit.

I do not think it is harder for women to gain influence in the movement, but I do think it is harder for them to become chairpersons, especially in unions where the majority are women who seem to prefer electing men if they are available, such as VR, KÍ teachers' unions, and possibly others. However, it should not be misunderstood that I think women should be chosen over men simply because they are women, but rather the individual whom you trust the most to lead the project.

What led you to step up and put your name forward as a leader of your union, and how did that work out?

I was a union representative at my workplace, and then I started to think more about wage issues. I was first elected as an alternate member of the union's board, then to the board itself, and soon after as vice-chairperson. When the then-chairperson moved away, I felt there was no other choice but to run for the chairperson position. Since then, 30 years have passed, and two major mergers in East Iceland have taken place: first in 1999 when four unions in the southern region merged, and then I sought the chairperson role in the new union, and again in 2007 when the current AFL was established with further mergers. Once again, I pursued the role of leading the union. I believe that first and foremost, we need to have courage, be willing to take responsibility, and step forward at the right time. 

Relying on common sense

Were union struggles a part of your environment when you grew up, did you have role models there?

I was a country girl, so wages and rights from a worker’s perspective weren’t ever discussed. And no, I don’t have any role model, I have relied on my common sense. 

Do you see yourself as a role model for women in the labour movement, and do you think it is in some way your role to beat a path to influence for other women?

No, I haven’t ever thought about that, but I have of course encouraged both men and women to take part in the work of the union and the movement.

Do you think that you, or other female union leaders, have different emphases, tones, or perspectives than men in influential positions within the labour movement, and does it matter to have gender balance among those who hold positions of trust within the movement to achieve the greatest equality?

I believe that the environment people come from matters the most. Most, if not all, chairpersons of the SGS affiliate unions come "straight from the floor," as it is called, having struggled to secure housing and having experienced financial hardships first-hand. It is important to be able to put oneself in the shoes of a fellow union member, but I am generally not in favour of gender quotas, as we need to focus on choosing the most competent individuals each time. Many women in the movement have different priorities than I do, and I think that is a good thing, as we need a diverse group with varying perspectives on various issues.

Not family friendly 

Do you think that regular and organized women’s work in the labour movement, such as women leaders’ meetings and women’s conferences, could help women who want to gain influence in ASÍ, and if so, how?

Yes, I think it's a good idea to encourage women who need it, but both women and men need to start in their own backyard, for example in the workplace, by volunteering as a union representative, participating in the union's board of trust, the negotiating committee, or the board if there is interest and ambition for it.

Chairing a trade union is not a family-friendly role, especially when the union's territory is vast and far from the capital area, where most of the collaboration takes place. It often proved challenging to balance these two aspects, and I think it is generally difficult to balance family responsibilities and union work that requires work outside of traditional working hours.

Name: Silja Eyrún Steingrímsdóttir

Position: Chair of Stéttarfélag Vesturlands

Term: Newly elected

Motto: Life is now & Enjoy – don’t rush it

What’s the position of women in the labour movement, in your view. Is it perhaps harder for women to gain influence in the movement, and if so, how?

I believe that the situation of women is not bad within the labour movement, and I can sense that, for example, from the last women's conference held at Hotel Hamar in the spring of 2022 and the ongoing work that has taken place after that meeting. There, many strong women who want to make their voices heard had gathered. I think it is a bit more difficult for women to gain influence within the movement, and they need to push harder and take up space, which is not always easy. But I think part of the problem is also that they are hesitant to put themselves out there, and I encourage my sisters to say yes and dare. I am grateful to the women who have paved the way for us who are younger, and we must continue giving women space.

However, after following the media for some time, I feel that the public, and especially women, are often more critical and judgmental of women than men who are putting themselves forward for positions of trust. I wonder why that is and whether the same people would say this to the individual in question on the street as they allow themselves to say in the comment section. Women who are vocal and assertive are often harshly judged, and I understand very well why women are not ready to put their personality into such a discussion. After all, most of the women I have met around the movement are wholeheartedly and passionately fighting for better conditions for everyone.

What led you to step up and put your name forward as a leader of your union, and how did that work out?

This is one of those things that I "accidentally" stumbled upon, as sometimes happens in life. I applied for a temporary position as an office manager at the West Iceland Trade Union about 8 years ago, which then became extended, and here I am still. When the outgoing chairman decided not to run again, they approached me and asked about my interest in becoming the chairman. After contemplating it for a short while, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try, considering it would be a good development with the experience I had gained over the past years.

The journey went well, and I found that people responded positively to these changes. There was no opposition, so the delegate council’s list was elected unopposed. 

My mother is my role model

Were union struggles a part of your environment when you grew up, did you have role models there?

Yes and no, a hard labour struggle was not part of my life when I was young, but discussions about wages and working conditions, job security, strikes, and more were often held at home, especially with my dad.

My dad was an industrial worker and worked in the ferrosilicon plant when I was growing up. He had a strong sense of justice and was pro-labour. I remember joining him in May Day demonstrations in Akranes, where I grew up, which I may not have fully understood at the time, and then we would go straight to the cinema, courtesy of the trade unions. My mom is a bank employee and currently a business consultant, and she was a union rep at her workplace for many years.

My parents separated when I was 12, and my mom was very diligent in furthering her education while working to support us siblings as a single mother. She has always been my role model in life, and after witnessing her journey, I was determined to continue my education after primary school. My mom completed her high school degree when I was starting secondary school and finished her business degree shortly after I completed my BA.

However, I cannot say that I had any specific role model who was publicly engaged in the struggle when I was young. Instead, I have looked up to and admired various people who are doing well in their respective fields.

Do you see yourself as a role model for women in the labour movement, and do you think it is in some way your role to beat a path to influence for other women?

Yes, I see myself as a role model, and hopefully, my work will inspire other women to get involved. The labour struggle affects us all, and it started more than 100 years ago and never ends. We need to make our young people aware and continue to educate them. I genuinely believe that having women in prominent positions within the movement will continue to pave the way for young women who are interested.

Do you think that you, or other female union leaders, have different emphases, tones, or perspectives than men in influential positions within the labour movement, and does it matter to have gender balance among those who hold positions of trust within the movement to achieve the greatest equality?

I believe that all chairpersons, regardless of gender, are fighting for the same cause, but of course, they have different opinions as they are diverse individuals. However, women might have a different perspective than men, and I don't think there's anything unnatural about that, as the genders are different. It is essential to have various people who are passionate about the cause in influential positions within the movement because we serve a large and diverse group, so it's natural for the leadership to reflect that. It's not good to have a homogeneous group with a uniform perspective. In my opinion, gender should not matter, and everyone should have equal opportunities to hold these positions of trust.

Sharing experiences

Do you think that regular and organized women’s work in the labour movement, such as women leaders’ meetings and women’s conferences, could help women who want to gain influence in ASÍ, and if so, how?

Yes, I believe it makes all the difference. Meeting and seeing other women in similar positions, with the same interest in labour issues, and sharing their experiences is invaluable. I think it also helps to see yourself reflected in other women who are doing the same thing as you. It's also essential for women to strengthen their network, and I believe that all associations should inform women within their organizations about this women's work.