76% only received collectively agreed increases
07. October 202676% have not received a pay rise above collectively agreed increases
Three out of four workers have not received a pay rise above the increases stipulated in collective agreements during the past two years, according to a Gallup survey conducted for VR, LÍV and Fagfélögin in September.
This means that only around one in four workers has received a pay rise above the collectively agreed increases.
These findings contrast sharply with statements from employers suggesting that there has been substantial wage drift in the labour market. It is clear that any such wage drift is confined to very specific groups, as there is no indication in these results that it is widespread across the labour market.
The Gallup findings are consistent with surveys previously conducted among members of VR, LÍV and Fagfélögin. The Gallup survey also shows that lower-paid workers and employees outside the capital area were less likely to have received pay rises above those provided for in collective agreements.
The Gallup survey was conducted between 17 and 28 September 2026. The sample consisted of 1,990 individuals, with a response rate of 43.2%, corresponding to 859 responses.